Salmonella Warning for Easter Poultry Purchases

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Published March 30th, 2026

Detected March 30th, 2026

Summary

The New Mexico Department of Health issued a public health warning on March 30, 2026, advising against gifting chicks and ducklings for Easter due to Salmonella infection risks. The warning highlights that children under 5 face the highest risk of serious infection, as poultry can shed Salmonella bacteria even when appearing healthy. NMDOH reports 100-130 annual Salmonella cases in New Mexico, while CDC estimates 1.35 million US infections yearly.

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What changed

The New Mexico Department of Health published a health notice warning the public about Salmonella risks associated with baby poultry purchases as Easter gifts. The notice cites NMDOH data showing 100-130 annual Salmonella cases in the state and CDC national estimates of 1.35 million infections yearly. Children under 5 are identified as highest risk for serious infection.

The notice recommends preventive measures including thorough hand washing after touching poultry, keeping live birds outside the home, and consulting a doctor if symptoms develop. No compliance deadline or regulatory requirements are imposed; this is informational guidance for consumers and healthcare providers.

Source document (simplified)

Health officials warn against chicks and ducklings as Easter gifts

March 30, 2026 - Infectious Disease Epidemiology - Safety SANTA FE – Seasonal cuteness aside, chicks and ducklings are a leading source of salmonella infections in young children.

New Mexico reports between 100-130 cases of salmonella each year. Children who handle, snuggle or keep poultry inside homes face increased exposure to Salmonella bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

“Many birds shed Salmonella, meaning they release Salmonella bacteria in their feces even when they appear healthy,” said Sarah Shrum Davis, an epidemiologist with NMDOH’s Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau. “Children under 5 are at highest risk of serious infection from Salmonella.”

Among preventive measures:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching live baby poultry.
Do not let live baby poultry inside the house or in areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored.
Consult your doctor if you or your children experience symptoms of Salmonella. To learn more, visit: https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/eip/foodnet/salmonella/ or https://cdc.gov/salmonella/prevention/index.html.

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