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Caution: Easter Chicks can be dangerous pets
Baby chicks and ducklings, are sometimes given as gifts or put on display at this time of the year. Because they are so soft and cute, many people do not realize the potential danger baby birds, such as chicks and ducklings, can be to small children. Young birds often carry harmful bacteria called Salmonella. Each spring some children become infected with Salmonella after receiving a baby bird for Easter. Bacteria that are carried in the bird's intestine contaminate their environment and the entire surface of the animal. These bacteria can be harmful to humans. Children can be exposed to the bacteria by simply holding, cuddling or kissing the birds and by contact with bird enclosures or bird environments. Young children are most susceptible to infection because they are more likely than others to put their fingers into their mouths and because their immune systems are still developing. Others at increased risk include persons with HIV/AIDS, pregnant women, the elderly, and other immunocompromised persons.Read more about the transmission of nanobugs from baby chicks at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/SalmonellaBabyBirds/
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