Warning Against Baby Poultry Gifts Due to Salmonella Risk

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Published April 2nd, 2026

Detected April 4th, 2026

Summary

Oregon Health Authority issued a public health notice on April 2, 2026, warning against giving chicks, ducklings, or other baby poultry as Easter gifts due to salmonella risks. Since 2020, five outbreaks linked to baby chicks have occurred in Oregon, affecting at least 55 cases of salmonellosis, with approximately half of cases involving children under 18. The notice recommends that children under 5, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals avoid handling live poultry.

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What changed

OHA published a public health notice warning that baby poultry including chicks and ducklings can carry Salmonella bacteria and pose infection risks, particularly to young children under 5, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals who may experience more severe illness or death. Since 2020, Oregon has documented five separate salmonella outbreaks linked to baby chicks resulting in at least 55 confirmed cases, with children representing roughly half of those infected.

This is an informational notice rather than a binding rule; regulated entities and the public face no compliance deadlines or penalties. Parents, caregivers, and retailers are encouraged to review OHA's hygiene recommendations including handwashing after animal contact and avoiding nuzzling or kissing poultry. No specific compliance actions or deadlines are required.

Source document (simplified)

OHA urges against giving baby poultry as Easter gifts

Site Navigation *April 2, 2026*

PORTLAND, Ore. – As Easter approaches and families plan holiday gatherings, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is cautioning against buying chicks, ducklings or other baby poultry as gifts.

Close contact with the cute and cuddly critters can make children ill from Salmonella, which can sometimes be carried by chicks and the other Easter-themed animals. “Giving chicks and ducklings as gifts should be avoided," said Emilio DeBess, DVM, public health veterinarian in the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section at OHA's Public Health Division.

“Young children characteristically will hug and even sometimes kiss the animals and often may not wash their hands afterward," DeBess added. “Handling live poultry can lead to Salmonella infection , which can be especially virulent in children younger than 5 because their immune systems are not fully developed."
Salmonella infections cause salmonellosis, which can result in diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever lasting three to seven days. Anyone with compromised immune systems, the very young and older adults could become very ill and even die of the infection.

Since 2020, five outbreaks of illnesses caused by Salmonella bacteria from baby chicks have occurred in Oregon, affecting at least 55 cases of salmonellosis. About half of the cases were children younger than 18.

OHA offers the following tips:

Children younger than 5, older adults, or people with weak immune systems should not handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other live poultry, or rabbits.
Make a general rule that after kids touch any animal, they immediately wash their hands with soap and water.
If kids handle chicks, discourage them from nuzzling or kissing them.
Don't eat or drink in an area where animals roam. For a quick reminder, check out this video.

For more information about baby birds and s almonella, visit http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/CommunicableDisease/Pages/FS-Baby-birds-and-Salmonella.aspx

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