The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged people to stop the habit of kissing live poultry.
The habit is believed to have expanded the outbreak of Salmonella, a bacteria infection which can cause fever, diarrhoea, stomach pain and vomiting.
The CDC public agency in charge of issuing health advice, says it has been investigating salmonella outbreaks linked to contact with backyard poultry, after 163 people were reported ill in 43 US states.
The health agency warned that kissing or snuggling birds, such as ducks and chickens, can spread the Salmonella germs to the mouth and make people sick; although people recover without treatment, more severe cases can cause death.
According to the CDC, one-third of the people reported ill in the recent outbreaks have been under the age of five who instinctively see poultry animals as pets.
The CDC’s advice also includes washing hands after coming into contact with poultry, and preventing children from touching the birds.
