Chickens can carry bacteria and other microorganisms in their digestive systems that may be harmful to humans. These are often present in their droppings, even when the chickens appear healthy. Contact with droppings or contaminated surfaces can lead to sickness. Understanding these risks is important for anyone interacting with backyard chickens.
Common Germs Associated with Chicken Droppings
Several types of bacteria commonly found in chicken droppings can cause human illness. Salmonella lives naturally in poultry intestines without making the birds sick, but can cause food poisoning in humans.
Campylobacter is also common in poultry and is a leading cause of bacterial diarrheal diseases worldwide. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is another bacterium chickens can carry. Certain strains, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), can cause severe human symptoms. Beyond bacteria, the fungus Histoplasma thrives in chicken droppings and may lead to severe lung illness if spores are inhaled.
How Illnesses Are Transmitted
Germs from chicken droppings can infect people through several pathways. Direct contact with chickens, their feathers, feet, or beaks can transfer bacteria to hands. These germs can then spread if hands touch the mouth, leading to ingestion.
Indirect contact also plays a role. Bacteria from droppings can contaminate surfaces within the chicken’s environment, including coops, feeders, water containers, bedding, and soil. Shoes and clothing can pick up these particles, tracking them into living spaces. Eggs laid by chickens can have bacteria on their shells from droppings, or even inside the egg, leading to illness if not handled and cooked properly.
Essential Prevention Measures
Good hygiene is a primary way to reduce the risk of illness from chicken droppings. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching chickens, their eggs, or anything in their living area. If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer can be used as a temporary measure, but a full hand wash should follow as soon as possible.
Maintaining a clean chicken coop is important for preventing germ buildup and spread. Regularly remove droppings and ensure the coop environment remains dry. Wear gloves when cleaning coops or handling droppings. Keep chickens out of indoor living spaces, especially food preparation areas, to prevent germ introduction.
When collecting eggs, do so promptly and clean them with a cloth to remove visible droppings. Proper storage and thorough cooking of eggs can eliminate potential bacteria. Closely supervise young children interacting with chickens, ensuring they wash their hands properly afterward, as they are at higher risk due to their developing immune systems and tendency to put hands in their mouths.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Care
Infections from bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, or E. coli typically cause digestive symptoms. These include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually appear within hours to several days after exposure, depending on the specific bacterium. For instance, Salmonella symptoms emerge within 6 to 72 hours, while Campylobacter can take 1 to 10 days.
Most people recover within a week, but some experience more severe illness. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, such as persistent high fever, signs of dehydration, or diarrhea lasting more than a few days. Vulnerable populations, including young children under five, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, should consult a healthcare provider promptly if they suspect an infection, as they are at higher risk for serious complications.