AVOID SALMONELLA BY PICKING SAFE PETS
- Salmonella can be transmitted by rodents, chicks and ducklings. Keep this in mind when selecting pets or gifts for your family.
- Two cases of Salmonella were traced back to guinea pigs in Colorado in 2017 during a multi-state outbreak.
- Pet rodents are not recommended for families with children younger than five years, pregnant women, elderly adults or people with weakened immune systems.
- Live poultry are often given as gifts during the Easter holiday, which puts people, especially those in the sensitive groups listed above, at risk.
- Two cases of Salmonella were traced back to guinea pigs in Colorado in 2017 during a multi-state outbreak.
- If you choose to keep rodents or live poultry as pets, keep these tips in mind.
- Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water immediately after touching a rodent or live poultry.
- Never kiss, snuggle or hold rodents or poultry close to your face, even if you consider them to be pets.
- Never eat, drink or smoke while playing with or caring for your pet rodent or poultry.
- Germs can contaminate surfaces in areas where they live and roam, so rodents and live poultry should never be free to wander throughout your home.
- Visit health.mesacounty.us to learn more about Salmonella transmission from rodents and live poultry.