In the wake of a salmonella outbreak linked to backyard chickens and ducks, Washington state health officials are reminding residents how to stay safe while tending their flocks.

Across Washington, 54 people have been hospitalized, and one death was reported from salmonella linked to backyard poultry this spring.

Hanna Oltean, senior epidemiologist for the Washington State Department of Health, said salmonella outbreaks are common this time of year as more people begin caring for ducks and chickens at home. She noted the bacteria, which come from feces, can also live on the outside of birds which otherwise look clean and healthy.

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“It's really common that people like to snuggle or kiss backyard poultry,” Oltean explained. “They're so cute, and so that's a real temptation for folks. But we definitely recommend not kissing or snuggling poultry and not eating or drinking around them.”

Oltean recommended people wash their hands after coming in contact with birds, eggs or any tools used to clean coops or runs. She added most people who get sick from salmonella don’t report it because they recover without needing medical care.

Young children, pregnant people and others who are immunocompromised are the most vulnerable to salmonella infection, Oltean outlined.

“We recommend that adults supervise kids around poultry, and really to consider whether poultry is the right pet for your family, if you have kids under the age of five,” Oltean advised.

Oltean pointed out as backyard flocks become more popular, salmonella cases linked to them have increased across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported outbreaks linked to backyard poultry have sickened 184 people across 31 states this year, with more than a quarter of cases occurring in children younger than 5.