I guess I never really thought I'd ever write a headline like that, yet here we are. But in all seriousness, it's a big deal and they're not kidding around. Chickens are not the cleanest animals in the barnyard. And maybe that's the problem... Since a lot more folks are raising chickens in their back yard, people are beginning to see them as pets.

But the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is trying to remind folks that there are some risks associated with raising your own chickens. There have been an alarming number of cases of salmonella all across the country from people having too close contact with their backyard poultry, according to an article at CNN.com.

In a report published in August, it was found that over a thousand cases have been reported in 49 states across the U.S., and almost half were directly related to people that were snuggling, nuzzling, smooching, or otherwise just being way too close to their chickens. 175 people have been hospitalized, and 2 have actually died.

The CDC says that people should wash their hands with soap and water any time they come in contact with their chickens, or any surface that chickens may touch, such as cages, etc. And don't forget... you should probably just leave them on the ground where they belong.

I know here in the Bangor area, a lot of folks have chickens. So do yourself and your family a favor, and keep yourselves safe. think of it this way, you'd never eat raw chicken, or handle it with your hands without washing them. And a living chicken is about as raw as it gets, right?

So be safe, and make good decisions, because apparently your chickens are out to get you! The revenge is real, folks. Hahaha.

More From WQCB Brewer Maine