An investigation is underway in Canada to figure out the source of a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to live chicks from an Alberta hatchery. According to news reports, the outbreak has so far sickened 34 people in three provinces. http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-baby-chickens-image19791491The Public Health Agency of Canada is not releasing the name of the hatchery, which is reportedly located in northern Alberta. However, the agency did state that the unnamed hatchery planned to send letters to any customers who ordered live baby chicks as of March 1 onward. The agency’s public health notice dated Monday, May 25, 2015, set the current case count at 34 and revealed that they are 17 people from Alberta, 13 from British Columbia, and four from Saskatchewan. “Individuals became sick between April 5 and May 12, 2015. These cases have all reported contact with live baby poultry. Most cases have reported contact with live baby poultry from a hatchery in Alberta,” the notice stated. Officials with the Alberta agriculture agency are working with this particular hatchery to determine the source of the Salmonella infections, the agency added. This is the third such outbreak that has occurred in Alberta since 2009, according to the chief provincial veterinarian. In the U.S., the most recent national Salmonella outbreak linked to live birds sickened at least 363 people in 43 states, hospitalizing 33 percent of them. Cases began in May 2014 and continued to be reported through September of this past year. Those most at risk for Salmonella infections include children younger than five, the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Public health officials said that people should not snuggle or kiss live birds and should always wash their hands after handling live poultry. “Young children are at higher risk of infection because they often enjoy handling and interacting with live baby poultry and may not wash their hands before putting their fingers or other contaminated items in or near their mouths,” the Public Health Agency of Canada stated in a news release. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting. Anyone who has been in contact with live poultry and develops symptoms of a Salmonella infection that persist or are severe should consult a health professional and mention the exposure to live poultry, the agency advised. Salmonella infection is usually contracted from food. However, since live animals can transmit the bacteria in their feces, Salmonella infection can also be contracted from a bird, its droppings, or from environments where birds have been.