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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about backyard poultry following Salmonella outbreaks that have sickened over 100 people.
The agency launched an investigation after 109 people across 29 states reported getting sick after contact with ducks, chickens, and turkeys. Of those who were ill, 33 were hospitalized. The CDC said that the actual number of infections is likely higher as not all cases are reported.
"Backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam," the CDC said. "You can get sick from touching your backyard poultry or anything in their environment and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella germs."
The CDC advised people to wash their hands with soap and water after touching backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything in the areas they live and roam.
The agency also said you should not "kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don't eat or drink around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick."
In addition, the agency advises people who work with backyard poultry to store and clean all the supplies and tools used to care for them outside of their homes, including shoes worn when walking around the chicken coops.
The CDC also recommended keeping young children away from the animals because they are more likely to get sick when exposed to Salmonella.