Salmonella from Chicks and Ducklings Linked to Mount Healthy Hatcheries in Ohio
Health officials have linked two outbreaks of Salmonella infections (salmonellosis) to chicks and ducklings from a single mail-order hatchery in Ohio. Nearly 100 people in 20 states have become ill.
The outbreaks involved two strains of Salmonella, Altona and Johannesburg . In both outbreaks, officials found multiple tracebacks from the homes of those who were sickened to Mount Healthy Hatcheries of Mount Healthy, Ohio.
Salmonella Altona
65 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Altona have been reported from 20 states: Alabama (1), Georgia (1), Indiana (1), Kentucky (5), Maryland (5), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), Mississippi (1), New Hampshire (1), New York (4), North Carolina (8), Ohio (12), Pennsylvania (6), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (3), Texas (1), Virginia (7), Vermont (1), Wisconsin (1), and West Virginia (4).
Salmonella Johannesburg
27 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Johannesburg have been reported from 15 states: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Georgia (2), Indiana (1), Kansas (1), Kentucky (2), Maine (1), New York (4), North Carolina (4), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (1), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (2), Vermont (2), and West Virginia (1).
Salmonellosis Prevention
Raising chickens in residential settings has become increasingly popular, but it doesn't eliminate the risk of foodborne illness. Over the last several years, the CDC has identified several outbreaks of Salmonella tied to backyard chickens.
To prevent illness, the CDC recommends that chickens be kept away from people with weaker immune systems, the elderly and children under five, that family members never snuggle or kiss the birds, that they never touch their mouths, eat or drink around live poultry and that they always wash their hands with soap and water after handling.
Pritzker Olsen Salmonella lawyers represent Salmonella victims nationwide. They can be reached for a free consultation at 1;-888-377-8900 (toll free) or by submitting our online form.
