Being independent from mainstream food sources can be a great way to rely on yourself. It’s an excellent way to be more self-reliant and less affected by supermarket prices.
We have spoken about how gardening is an excellent hobby for years. Growing your own fruit and veggies is rewarding and healthy. Not only do you know exactly where your food has been, but you get exercise while growing it!
We have never talked about backyard poultry. Keeping chickens, ducks and turkeys is a great way to have your own supply of eggs. But it can also lead to sickness.
Backyard poultry has been tied to a Salmonella outbreak in 13 states. So far, 34 people have been sickened, and 13 have been hospitalized.
Making the matter harder, the strain of Salmonella is resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat Salmonella. The outbreak is primarily in the Midwest, with the most cases in Michigan, with six cases. Ohio and Wisconsin both have five.
Unfortunately, 41 percent of the cases are in children under five. At least 79 percent of the people sickened had been in contact with backyard poultry in the days before they became ill. Not everyone has been interviewed.
Out of the 14 people who owned backyard birds, 13 bought them since January. The birds came from various places, including agricultural retailers. The CDC is investigating the hatcheries involved.
Chickens, ducks and turkeys can all carry salmonella and it isn’t clear which species caused this outbreak. People didn’t necessarily handle the birds. Touching contaminated things in their environment and then touching food or your mouth without washing your hands can cause a Salmonella infection.
Salmonella infections cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. The symptoms can start six hours or six days after ingesting the bacteria. Most people don’t need treatment and recover at home. But for the very young, the elderly or people with other health concerns, treatment or hospitalization may be needed.
For your safety, after being around birds, or touching them, their eggs or their habitat, wash your hands. Don’t wear the footwear you wear around the birds inside your home. And don’t let young children handle the birds.
Having your own poultry is a wonderful way to take more control over your diet. It’s also a fun hobby and a nice use of outdoor space. But you have to be careful to stay healthy and keep yourself safe.
