CDC says it's okay to dress up your chickens for Halloween

(KUTV) — Despite some news reports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn't warn people against dressing up chickens for Halloween.

The CDC stated in a media statement Thursday that despite news reports saying otherwise, people can dress up chickens in Halloween costumes. However, the public health institute does advise chicken owners to handle them carefully to keep their families and chickens safe and healthy.

If you're handling any chickens during the spooky holiday, here are some tips:

• Always wash your hands after touching chickens or anything in the environment. Use running water and soap, and use alcohol-based sanitizer if you don't have instant access to a sink.
• Keep your chickens outside and never let them inside your home.
• Don't eat or drink in areas where the chickens live or roam.
• Don't kiss or snuggle with your birds, and don't touch your face immediately afterward.
• Children under 5 years old should not be in contact with chickens - young children are more likely to get sick because of their developing immune systems, and more likely to put their fingers or pacifiers and other items in their mouths.

For more information on handling chickens and other poultry, visit www.cdc.gov.