The Department of Health and State Board of Animal Health provided educational materials to farm supply and animal feed stores about health requirements on interstate movement of animals, as well as information about preventing the spread of salmonella. These educational materials also will be available to the public who purchase baby birds and feed at these and other venues.

Some general guidelines include: Don't purchase baby ducks or chicks as gifts, don't let young children handle baby birds, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling and keep birds away from food, drink and food prep areas.

Last year, between May and September, seven people were infected from contact with baby chickens. For additional information, contact Julie Goplin, North Dakota Department of Health, at 328-2378 or the State Board of Animal Health at 328-2654.