Birds, including your backyard chooks and ducks, have been linked to salmonella infections in people. Make sure you and your children wash your hands after handling them or cleaning their environment.

If your chickens lay eggs, the eggs can also be a source of salmonella. Keep the nesting materials and litter clean and dry and change it regularly, gather eggs from their nesting places daily. Carefully check any eggs for cracks, wipe off any visible dirt with a dry cloth or paper towel but don’t wash the eggs in water – this can transfer the contamination into the egg contents. Always wash your hands after collecting eggs

Find out more about Food safety and pets