Pets can make kids sick, but not in the way you think

Backyard birds like chickens and ducks look harmless, but they can carry germs that don’t respond to medicine. Since late February, at least 34 people across 13 states got sick from salmonella, and some cases involved bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Kids under five make up over 40% of those infected, which is worrying since young children are more likely to get severely ill. Most sick people had recently bought backyard poultry—nearly 90% of owners got their birds after January. These birds come from stores and hatcheries, not traditional farms.Hospitalization rates are high, with 13 people needing medical care. The bacteria found in patients often resist treatment, and in some cases, they resist multiple drugs at once. This isn’t the first time this has happened—similar outbreaks occurred in past years, sickening hundreds. The big question is: where are these germs coming from? Health officials are tracing the birds’ origins, but they’re also reminding people how to stay safe. The key rule is simple: wash your hands after touching birds or anything near them. Avoid close contact like kissing or cuddling backyard poultry. This advice isn’t new, but it’s easy to forget when dealing with cute chicks. The CDC warns that young kids, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are most at risk. The last major outbreak in 2025 showed just how serious this can get, with over 500 sick and two deaths.