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don't give chicks for EASTER gifts- Young poultry may have Salmonella bacteria on their bodies, even when they are healthy and look clean. The germs also get on cages and other things the birds touch. Salmonella bacteria on your hands can spread to other people, surfaces, or infect you – if you don't wash up. You Can Get Sick Anyone can get a Salmonella infection, which can cause serious illness. Children are especially at risk of illness because they are less likely to wash their hands and have more frequent hand-to-mouth contact than adults. Symptoms of Salmonella infection begin about one to three days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people will recover without medical treatment. However, in some people the symptoms may be so severe that medical treatment or a stay in the hospital is needed. Infants, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness. Call your health care provider, if you or your child has a high fever, severe diarrhea, or other symptoms that concern you. Don't Spread Salmonella Wash hands with soap and water after touching chicks and ducklings. It is the single most important thing you can do! When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers may be used. Sanitizers may not be as effective if hands are too dirty. Clean off as much dirt as possible before using sanitizers.

Update for your dogs and cats- Rabies Vaccination Requirements for Pets Rabies Vaccination Rule for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Washington State rule, WAC 246-100-197, says: An owner of a dog, cat, or ferret shall have it vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated following veterinary and vaccine manufacturer instructions. An "owner" is any person legally responsible for the care and actions of a pet animal. Beginning January 1, 2012, all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect people and animals. Any mammal can get rabies. However, bats are the only animal in Washington known to carry rabies. In other states, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are known to carry rabies. If you are a pet owner in Washington, the following information should answer many questions about the new rule that requires rabies vaccines for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets. Some cities and counties already required proof of rabies vaccination for pet licenses before the new state rule took effect. Contact your city or county animal control office or local health department if you have other questions.