No matter how cute and fuzzy, you should never cuddle and kiss a chicken — that's the Centers for Disease Control's latest message. The CDC has been investigating four multi-state outbreaks of Salmonella that they have linked to people having contact with live poultry, including baby chicks.

As of June 29, 40 states had reported outbreaks of Salmonella involving 181 people. All cases tested were found to be negative for antibiotic resistance, but of those sickened, 33 had to be hospitalized.

Of 95 sick people interviewed, 86 percent reported contact with chicks, ducks, and other live poultry from multiple hatcheries the week before they became ill. Many of them reported bringing the chicks indoors as pets.

According to the CDC, Salmonella causes about 1 million illnesses in the United States every year. Most people infected report symptoms of diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. Illnesses last four to seven days, and although most people recover without treatment, 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths occur each year.

Salmonella bacteria usually live in the intestinal tract, but baby chicks can carry it on their feathers, and it can be passed to anyone who touches them.

To avoid Salmonella, the CDC advises people who have backyard flocks to:

● Don't let chickens and other poultry inside your house.

● Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching a bird or anything they have come in contact with.