Wash after handling live baby chicks

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency this week received reports of salmonella cases possibly linked to the handling of live baby chicks.

The Coldwater-based agency said the situation should serve as a reminder that people who touch ducklings or chicks should wash your hands immediately afterward.

Agency officials said live baby poultry may be put on display at stores where children are able to touch the birds. Antibacterial sanitizer or soap are the most effective measures of not picking up salmonella from such sources, agency officials said.