State health officials are reminding Oregonians that baby fowl may carry salmonella.

Chicks, ducklings and other young fowl may not be appropriate pets for children younger than 5 years old or for people with weakened immune systems, said Emilio DeBess, a state public health veterinarian in a press release.

"They are fuzzy, cute, and irresistible to pick-up and hold but they can also be loaded with salmonella."

Salmonella poisoning from baby poultry purchased as pets or for backyard flocks represents an ongoing public health concern and causes multiple hospitalizations each year. Two cases have been identified in Oregon over the past few weeks. Both people had contact with young poultry and both are recovering.

Though chicks, ducklings and goslings may not appear dirty, they could carry feces on their feet, feathers and beaks. Poultry should always be housed outside because of the risk of tracking the infection into the household environment.

To reduce the risk of salmonella infection, the Oregon Public Health Division recommends thorough hand washing with soap and warm water for anyone who enters an area that houses poultry or who handles any baby chicks, ducks or other fowl. Children should be supervised so they do not nuzzle or kiss the animals.

Symptoms of salmonella usually begin with fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include vomiting, nausea, chills, headache and stomach cramps. Most people recover well. However, infants, children, the elderly and those with a lowered immune system are more likely to experience severe illness that may require further treatment or hospitalization.