UMES researcher says how to protect against salmonella outbreak

Princess Anne, Md. – The Center for Diseases Control warns of cases of dozens of drug-resistant salmonella from backyard poultry. At the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, one researcher is studying how the recent surge impacts poultry on the the Eastern and Lower Shore.

According to the CDC, last year, there have been over 500 cases nationwide, leading to 2 deaths and over 100 hospitalizations. This year, there have been at least 34 confirmed cases across 13 states. WMDT spoke with Dr. Janak Dhakal, a microbiologist and assistant professor of poultry science in UMES’ Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences who said the most important thing to know to stay safe is to keep up best hygiene practices.

“The eastern shore as a poultry hub. They have a lot of commercial poultry houses. We have bunch of backyard poultry also,” he said. “What to do? Wash your hands. Wash your hands proper. You hold your bird, use soap. Hand sanitizer. Just like a Covid protocol, a 20 second hand wash with the soap.”

According to Dr. Dhakal’s research, salmonella bacteria is introduced to chickens mainly through introduction to wildlife and cross-contamination due to lack of proper hygiene.

Dr. Dhakal also said the CDC recommends children under five not handle or touch birds, but if that is impractical, to make sure they are washing and sanitizing afterwards. He said seniors and children are particularly vulnerable. He also recommends those who regularly handle chickens to try to change footwear and even clothes after being around birds to avoid tracking bacteria into homes or other areas.