It's getting to be spring time in Ohio, which means it's chick and duck season at local agriculture supply and feed stores. But after a record salmonella outbreak linked to live poultry last year, extra procautions are being taken at the state, local and even federal levels to inform poultry customers of the potential dangers.

Tractor Supply Company on West 4th Street in Mansfield carries chicks and ducks at their location during the spring months and every year store manager Judy Alfano says parents come in looking to get their children fuzzy friends for their Easter baskets. While they may be unquestionably cute, she and Richland County Health Department Environmental Health Director Matt Work don't reccommend a chick or duck as a pet.

 To inform the public of potential health dangers Tractor Supply Company and other agricultural stores accross Ohio are sharing literature with potential customers to help ensure proper handling and hygiene with chicks and ducks. Richland County Health Deprtment Epidemiologist Mary Derr even has a motto to remind poultry owners of the involved dangers.

"After you touch ducks or chicks, wash your hands so you don't get sick." Derr says.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Services, Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department (ODH) of Health mailed 357 letters to feed stores and manufacturers in Ohio on Feb 27. The letter contained information about preventing infections within feed stores and educational info for customers who purchase poultry.

The ODH has posted a web feature on this topic: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/en/features/odhfeatures/samonellachicks.aspx