The recent increase of interest in backyard chicken ownership (those kept on residential property commonly referred to as urban or backyard chickens) has launched support programs such as UrbanHensTO. Chickens are a natural reservoir for zoonotic pathogens, and in this study, researchers aimed to identify any knowledge, attitude or practice gaps among current and prospective backyard chicken owners. Responses were collected through an anonymous online survey from December 2019 to March 2021. Respondents were asked questions regarding household demographics, previous, current, or future backyard chickens, primary reasons for having or wanting backyard chickens, and about animal handling practices and zoonotic disease awareness. There were 279 respondents from Ontario (85.9%). Researchers found that reasons for having or wanting backyard chickens included food and companionship. This session will discuss this study and the misconceptions raised about pathogens transmissible from backyard chickens to people.
Intended audience: Public health practitioners working in the private or public sector, including public health physicians, inspectors, nurses, supervisors and managers. Public health unit staff who are interested in zoonotic disease, and researchers.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- List pathogens that are transmissible from backyard chickens to people
- Describe activities that may increase the risk of pathogen transmission from backyard chickens to their owners
- Identify misconceptions about pathogens that may be transmitted from backyard chickens to people from a study conducted by the presenters
- Consider the potential implications of this study for public health organizations
Presenter(s): Dr. Katherine Paphitis and Dr. Devon Metcalf
Dr. Katherine Paphitis, PhD, MSc, CPHI(c), CIC*, is an Enteric Zoonotic Specialist at Public Health Ontario and is the co-chair of the IPAC Canada Surveillance and Applied Epidemiology interest group. Her research focuses on the surveillance and epidemiology of enteric and zoonotic pathogens in Ontario, including Salmonella.
Dr. Devon Metcalf, PhD, MSc, CIC, is an IPAC Specialist at Public Health Ontario and is the Associate Editor of the Canadian Journal of Infection Control (CJIC). Her research focuses on the impact of zoonotic infections on IPAC practices in healthcare settings.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Accessibility
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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