Salmonella serotype Montevideo infections associated with chicks–Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, spring 1995 and 1996

During 1995 and 1996, public health laboratories in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon identified clusters of infections with Salmonella serotype Montevideo. Epidemiologic investigations, including enhanced surveillance, of these clusters indicated association with exposure to chicks. This report summarizes the findings of these investigations, which suggest that handling chicks is a health risk, especially for children; consequently thorough handwashing is recommended after handling of chicks.