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As egg prices soared and pandemic isolation grew, many Americans moved from co-op to coop and 

. But people with chickens in their backyards should think twice about giving them a peck.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning people to refrain from snuggling with backyard poultry, citing concerns that the chickens may be spreading salmonella. 

 that backyard poultry owners should take special precautions when handling their animals after 163 confirmed cases of salmonella were reported in 43 states. "Don't kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don't eat or drink around them. This can spread 

germs to your mouth and make you sick," the public health agency said. 

 the CDC has had to remind bird lovers to love from a distance, but the growing numbers of owners do make it a bigger concern. 

 that have been recorded. But additional cases may have gone unreported since most people don't seek testing for the bacterial infection that can cause fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea. 

Besides refraining from kissing chickens, the CDC also has this advice for backyard poultry owners:

 germs even if they look healthy and clean," the CDC adds. "These germs can easily spread in areas where they live and roam."  

Business and Economic News

Agriculture

Health

Catherine Whelan

Author

A surge in salmonella cases around the country prompts a warning for backyard chicken owners from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Don't kiss your chickens, the CDC says in a salmonella warning

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