While in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are resorting to activities to allow ourselves to enjoy feelings of enhanced independence. Backyard vegetable gardens are popping up everywhere, and some people are keeping chickens in coops to have readily available fresh eggs.

As the warnings continue for us to “wash our hands,” it’s especially important that we do so if we are handling live poultry.

The birds carry the bacteria on their fathers, feet, and droppings. Hand-washing and coop cleaning is quite necessary.

“Symptoms of salmonella begin 12 to 72 hours after a person is infected and include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping.” These conditions can last from a few days to a week on average, and most individuals recover without medical intervention.

The most vulnerable members of our community for this disease are the very young, and the very old.

If you collect your chicken’s eggs, wash them thoroughly, and cook them thoroughly as well. Enjoy the animals and the eggs--with both caution and respect.

Source: www.cnn.com