Set hygiene rules to prevent zoonoses
Animals can pass germs such as Salmonella to people, even when they look healthy. Simple habits protect the household, especially young children.
How
- Wash hands with soap and water right after touching animals, eggs or anything in their area. Keep sanitiser at the coop.
- Do not kiss or snuggle poultry, and do not eat or drink in animal areas.
- Do not let children under 5 handle chicks, ducklings or other poultry (CDC). Supervise older children and make sure they wash.
- Keep animals, feed tubs and coop shoes out of the house; clean equipment outdoors.
- Collect eggs often, discard cracked ones, brush dirt off rather than washing, refrigerate, and cook eggs until firm.
Safety: Seek medical advice for fever, diarrhoea or infected scratches after animal contact, and tell the doctor you keep animals.
Do these first
Sources
- Backyard poultry and Salmonella. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accessed 2026-11