CDC and many states are investigating several outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry.

Since 2000, 76 Salmonella outbreaks have been linked to live poultry – 4,794 illnesses, 894 hospitalizations and 7 deaths.

The CDC offers these safe handling tips for eggs from backyard poultry

• Always wash your hands with soap and water right after handling eggs, chickens, or anything in their environment.

• Egg shells may become contaminated with Salmonella from poultry droppings (poop) or the area where they are laid.

• Maintain a clean coop. Cleaning the coop, floor, nests and perches regularly will help to keep eggs clean.

• Collect eggs often. Eggs that spend more time in the nest can get more poop on them, or break. Throw away cracked eggs.

• Clean eggs that have dirt and debris with fine sandpaper, a brush, or cloth. Don’t wash eggs, because colder water can pull Salmonella on the egg shell into the egg.

• Refrigerate eggs after collecting them.

• Cook eggs thoroughly so that yolks are not runny and whites are firm. Raw and undercooked eggs may contain Salmonella bacteria that can make you sick.