Salmonella Cases Linked to Live Chickens

Mail-order chickens, such as the baby chicks found in many Easter baskets, have been linked to at least 316 cases of salmonella infection. U.S. health officials say the cases have occurred since 2004. About 80% were linked to one mail-order hatchery. The Associated Press (AP) said it was in New Mexico. Salmonella bacteria can live on the feet, feathers, beaks and eggs of chickens as well as in the meat. The infection is called salmonellosis. It can cause high fevers, bloody diarrhea and other symptoms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated the outbreak. Most of those infected were children, the CDC said. No one died, but 36 people were admitted to hospitals. The CDC said the hatchery has made changes to help prevent future infections. Only 1 case has been linked to the hatchery this year. The CDC said children under age 5 should not touch chickens.