Queensland Health is investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to contact with backyard poultry following a surge in home chicken pens during the COVID-19 lockdown.
In the past week, 17 cases have been reported across the state, mainly among children — 13 of them were aged 11 or younger.
Five children have become so sick from the bacterial disease, they have had to be hospitalised.
Authorities said the majority of the cases involved the handling of chicks that were purchased two weeks prior from a range of produce and pet stores across the state.
Queensland Health said eight of the cases were in South-East Queensland, six in Central Queensland and three in the north of the state.
Dr Alun Richards, Queensland Health's acting executive director of communicable diseases, said the investigation into the supplier of chicks to stores in these regions was ongoing.
"Backyard poultry can harbour and shed salmonella that cause illness in humans, even though the birds are healthy and clean," Dr Richards said.
Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through faeces.
Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food.
Dr Richards said fever and stomach cramps could usually be felt within six to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria.
While the poisoning that occurs is generally not considered a severe illness, it can be fatal in certain people, including young children and the elderly.
Queensland chicken breeders reported being inundated by households not long after the coronavirus shutdown in March, as people turned to backyard chooks for egg supplies.
It was spurred on by the panic buying of staple food products, which saw supermarket shelves emptied of staples.
The public health advice for owners of backyard poultry include:
- Always wash your hands with soap and running water immediately after touching chickens or eggs
- The bacteria can live and roam inside enclosures so wash hands even if you do not touch animals
- Do not let children snuggle or kiss the birds, touch their mouth or eat or drink around chickens
- Don't allow chickens inside the house
