Centers For Disease Control – Don’t Cuddle Or Kiss Chickens

I know that headline just torpedoed a lot of people's Saturday night plans but the federal government doesn't want you doing it. There is a very serious reason why this headline that made you look twice is being repeated across the country and around the world.

We are in the midst of a very serious poultry illness outbreak and your up close exposure to chickens could  put you and your family at risk.

The connection between poultry and the disease salmonella has been well documented. Salmonella is a malady that can give the sufferer symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and in some cases it can be fatal. Most of those that get salmonella get it from ingesting infected food like eggs or under cooked meat.

The reason there is a sudden interest in chicken cuddling is because of this statement taken from a Centers for Disease Control Report on the subject as reported by the website Quartz.

Many ill people in these outbreaks reported bringing the live poultry into their homes, and others reported kissing or cuddling with the live poultry. These behaviors increase a person’s risk of a Salmonella infection.

This may sound strange but it really isn't. Nearly 85% of those who reported infections keep chicken as pets. We all kiss and cuddle with our pets don't we? Well maybe not goldfish but goldfish are so hard to love anyway.