CDC Warns Against Live Chicks, Ducklings and Bunnies for Easter

Easter is coming, along with the Easter Bunny, Peter Cottontail and a slew of adorable baby animals. Historically, many parents have marked this spring holiday by purchasing baby chicks, ducklings and bunnies for their children. Some folks have even acquired little lambs for children for Easter.

Are Easter pets a good idea?

The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says no to live animal Easter gifts for children. And many local, state, regional and national human and animal health experts agree.

Why are live chicks, ducklings and bunnies a bad idea for children's Easter gifts?

Newborn animals are cute. With feathers or fur, these fluffy infant creatures may appeal to young children. However, the novelty of caring for baby birds or animals may soon wear off. At the same time, these cute creatures can spread dangerous germs and diseases, which may long outlast the appeal of these chirping, quacking or hopping Easter gifts.

Animal shelters are flooded with baby Easter chicks, ducklings and bunnies each spring.

Although the Easter Bunny may have the best intentions when giving children live baby chickens, ducks or rabbits for Easter, most of these creatures are ill suited for lives as family pets. Unless youngsters live on a farm or are otherwise equipped (and trained) to care for these young animals, the responsibility of animal husbandry may soon become overwhelming.

Most Easter shoppers do not realize the level of care that baby animals may require. Tiny chicks, for example, might need heat lamps or extra veterinary attention to thrive.

Each spring, an astonishing number of baby animals is abandoned in the wild or dropped off at animal shelters. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that thousands of Easter bunnies end up in the nation's animal shelters in the weeks after Easter. Many more unwanted Easter animals may be relinquished to the wild, where they prove to be quite helpless.

A bunny may live eight to ten years - long after that initial Easter morning surprise has evaporated.

Baby animals can spread harmful germs.

Chicks and ducklings, in particular, are known to carry salmonella, a bacterial that is potential quite harmful to humans. Salmonella is often found in the feces of such birds, but it can also be detected on their beaks, feet and feathers.

Individuals handling these darling little birds can easily infect themselves with salmonella or other harmful germs. Babies, younger children, expectant mothers, individuals with immune system issues and the elderly may be the most susceptible to such infections, although other family members may become ill as well.

The CDC issued this official statement about the giving of live farm animals (such as baby chicks or ducklings) for Easter:

"Harmful bacteria carried in the chick's and duckling's intestine contaminates their environment and the entire surface of the animal. Children can be exposed to the bacteria by simply holding, cuddling or kissing the birds. Children are most susceptible to infection because they are more likely than others to put their fingers into their mouths and because their immune systems are still developing. Others at increased risk include persons with HIV/AIDS, pregnant women, the elderly and other immunocompromised persons."

Symptoms of salmonellosis (or salmonella infection) include aches, chills, headaches and nausea. In the most severe cases, salmonella infection may be fatal to humans.

Baby animals can grow into dangerous mature creatures.

Infant birds and animals mature quickly. Those cute baby chicks or ducklings soon grow into hens, roosters and ducks. Tiny fluffy baby bunnies become big rabbits. The cute appeal must be followed by commitment, or both animals and humans may suffer.

State and local laws may restrict the purchase of baby animals for Easter.

Although the U.S. federal government does not currently restrict the sale or purchase of baby animals (such as Easter chicks, ducklings or bunnies), some communities have specific zoning laws that apply to the ownership of these creatures. Easter shoppers are well advised to check local policies before bringing home those cute, cuddly feathered or furry baby animals for Easter.

Of course, the simplest and safest solution is to pick up chocolate or plush animals for Easter instead. What child would not welcome a solid chocolate bunny? (An organization in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, calling itself Make Mine Chocolate, offers this precise advice.)

Sources:

http://makeminechocolate.org

http://www.aspca.org

http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/easter_chicks.htm

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/salmonellachick.html