By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Dozens of communities across Illinois allow people to keep chickens in their backyards. But there’s some concern after backyard chickens are being blamed for a salmonella outbreak in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Hundreds of people in Michigan and Wisconsin are sick with salmonella. The Illinois Department of Public Health said 36 people in Illinois have gotten sick as part of the outbreak.

IDPH Veterinarian Connie Austin said don’t blame the chickens, but rather blame the people who aren’t washing their hands after collecting eggs or cleaning up after their flock.

“Droppings from any animal, including birds, can make you sick,” Austin said. “The bottom line is when you touch [backyard chickens] or their coops or their food and water bowls, you have to come back inside and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.”

The Centers for Disease Control said last week one of the biggest reasons people are coming down with salmonella is that they are treating their birds like pets. The CDC is reminding folks not to kiss their chickens.

Austin said if people who have backyard chickens follow common sense, there’s no need to worry about domestic chickens.

“Don’t bring chickens into your house,” Austin said. “That sounds like common sense, but some people like to bring them inside. That can contaminate your house. Also, we don’t want people eating or drinking where the birds have been present.”

Austin said that covers everything from having a drink near the coops to moving cook-outs away from where the chickens have wandered.

Austin said your best bet to not get sick around any animal is to wash your hands really well, and properly clean up after them.