The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert following 280 cases of salmonella poisoning in 18 states, including Oregon.

The outbreak is being tied to Foster Farms chicken -- a west coast poultry producer with plants in Oregon, Washignton, California nad Alabama.

Tom coon with the Deschutes County Health Department says if people cooked their chicken thoroughly, they should be fine.

"Whenever dealing with raw or undercooked eggs, chicken or meat, regardless whether it has salmonella or not, it should be thorooughly cooked.  With chicken that means an internal temperature of 165 degrees will kill any bacteria.  That's something you should always do."

The U.S.D.A. is not issuing a recall, but a health alert to remind people to be sure to cook their chicken properly in order to avoid any illness.