The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of salmonella infections in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan originating from a hatchery in Alberta.

Thirty-four cases of human illness are under investigation including 17 in Alberta, 13 in BC and 4 in Saskatchewan.

The individuals, who all reported contact with live baby poultry, became sick between April 5 and May 12, 2015.

The Alberta hatchery is distributing information letters about this outbreak directly to customers who have placed orders for live baby poultry beginning on March 1.

Those most at risk from salmonella include babies, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with weaker immune systems.

The public health agency says proper hand washing is key to protecting yourself from salmonella and advises keeping live poultry away from your face, adding its never a good idea to snuggle or kiss the birds.

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