MDA warns against buying Easter animals

Stop and think twice before buying your child a chick or duckling this Easter season, says the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

The MDA says buying live poultry for Easter celebrations could bring health risks.Because these animals are often hatched and then shipped around the country it’s easy for them to carry diseases such as Salmonella.

We’re told that if you do decide to buy one anyway, do so through a UDSA certified hatchery, wash your hands often and thoroughly, keep the birds away from children under 5 years old and keep the birds outside.