Speaking of Your Health: Spring animals

Spring is here, which means that people are spending more time outdoors and with animals. Oftentimes, this is the time when many baby chicks, ducklings and other animals are added to the family.

Sure, these furry or feathered friends are cute, but it is also important to keep in mind the risks of Salmonella associated with certain animals. Good hygiene after handling these animals is key to preventing illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many different animals and pets can carry these germs. Animals known to commonly spread Salmonella to humans include:

Reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes)

Amphibians (frogs and toads)

Poultry (chicks, chickens, ducklings, ducks, geese, and turkeys)

Other birds (parakeets, parrots, and wild birds)

Rodents (mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs)

Other small mammals (hedgehogs)

Farm animals (goats, calves, cows, sheep, and pigs)

Dogs

Cats

Horses

Animals become infected with Salmonella through their environment, by eating contaminated food, or from their mothers before they are even born or hatched. Salmonella also naturally exists in the intestines of many different animals. The bacteria is shed in their stool, which can easily contaminate their body parts (fur, feathers, or scales) and anything in areas where these animals live. It is important to know that many animals can carry Salmonella and still appear healthy and clean.

People can get a Salmonella infection if they do not wash their hands after contact with animals carrying Salmonella or their environment, such as their bedding, food, or tank water.

For example, some pet products, like pet foods and treats, can be contaminated with Salmonella and other germs. Pet food and treats that may be contaminated include dry dog or cat food, dog biscuits, pig ears, beef hooves, and rodents used to feed reptiles (including frozen feeder rodents).

Additionally, reptiles and amphibians that live in tanks or aquariums can contaminate the water with Salmonella, which can make people sick even if they don't touch the animal.

Follow these tips to proper handwashing and preventing the spread of illness, especially when handling pets and animals:

Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap.

Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Singing the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice is a good way to make sure you are taking enough time.

Rinse your hands well under running water.

Dry your hands using a clean towel.

Brittney Tschudy, BSH, RN, TTS Hocking County Health Department, writes a weekly column published in The Logan Daily News.