Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

US CDC Links Recent Salmonella Outbreak To Backyard Poultry

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<span>CDC</span>) has confirmed that the <span>Salmonella outbreak</span> that infected 34 people in 13 states in the country is linked to <span>backyard poultry</span>. 

The CDC, in its latest report, noted that backyard poultry, like chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean. To date, no deaths have been associated with this outbreak, which started on February 26 and lasted up to March 31. However, 13 people have been hospitalized, the federal agency said. 

Notably, the CDC analysis revealed that the Salmonella strain may be resistant to the antibiotic fosfomycin. Samples from eight of those patients showed there could be resistance to other antibiotics commonly used in Salmonella infections.

<h2>States Reporting Salmonella Outbreak</h2>

Michigan has the most cases, with six, followed by Wisconsin and Ohio, each of which has five cases. 

Indiana, Kentucky, and Maine each have three cases. Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Tennessee have each confirmed a single case. 

<h2>Children Under Age 5 More Affected</h2>

Forty-one percent of case-patients in this outbreak are under the age of 5 years, and of the 29 people interviewed by investigators, 23 (79%) reported contact with backyard poultry in the days prior to illness.

“Children younger than 5 years old shouldn't handle the birds (including chicks and ducklings) or anything in the area where the birds live and roam. They are more likely to get sick from Salmonella,” the CDC said. 

“Of 14 people who reported owning backyard poultry, 13 (93%) bought or obtained poultry since January 1, 2026,” the CDC said. “People reported getting their poultry from various places, including agricultural retail stores.” 

The CDC said it will continue to investigate the hatcheries associated with cases.

<ul></ul>Here are some common measures to follow to prevent getting ill from Salmonella infections:

<ul><li>Always wash your hands for 20 seconds after touching birds, their supplies, or collecting eggs. </li><li>Use a pair of dedicated shoes or boots for your coop and don't wear them inside your house. </li><li>Keep birds and supplies outside the house to prevent spreading germs into your house.</li><li>Children younger than 5 years old shouldn't handle the birds (including chicks and ducklings) or anything in the area where the birds live and roam. They are more likely to get sick from Salmonella. </li></ul>  

<ul><li>Source poultry from hatcheries that take steps to reduce Salmonella contamination. </li><li>Clean and sanitize poultry display areas between shipments of new poultry. </li><li>Provide handwashing stations or hand sanitizers next to poultry display areas and tell customers to wash their hands right after leaving these areas. </li><li>Display poultry out of reach of customers, especially chil­dren, so they cannot easily touch the poultry. </li></ul> 

As per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause <span>gastrointestinal illness</span> and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animals to people.

The FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles, can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced. 

Pets, too, could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella. 

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria. 

The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. 

In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized. 

Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness. 

Health Conditions A-Z

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backyard poultry salmonella outbreak

Salmonella Outbreak

Backyard Poultry

Salmonella bacteria

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that the Salmonella outbreak that infected 34 people in 13 states in the country is linked to backyard poultry. The CDC, in its latest report, noted that backyard poultry, like chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean. To date, no deaths have been associated with this outbreak, which started on February 26 and lasted up to March 31. However, 13 people have been hospitalized, the federal agency said. Notably, the CDC analysis revealed that the Salmonella strain may be resistant to the antibiotic fosfomycin. Samples from eight of those patients showed there could be resistance to other antibiotics commonly used in Salmonella infections.States Reporting Salmonella Outbreak Michigan has the most cases, with six, followed by Wisconsin and Ohio, each of which has five cases. Indiana, Kentucky, and Maine each have three cases. Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Tennessee have each confirmed a single case. Children Under Age 5 More AffectedForty-one percent of case-patients in this outbreak are under the age of 5 years, and of the 29 people interviewed by investigators, 23 (79%) reported contact with backyard poultry in the days prior to illness. “Children younger than 5 years old shouldn't handle the birds (including chicks and ducklings) or anything in the area where the birds live and roam. They are more likely to get sick from Salmonella,” the CDC said. “Of 14 people who reported owning backyard poultry, 13 (93%) bought or obtained poultry since January 1, 2026,” the CDC said. “People reported getting their poultry from various places, including agricultural retail stores.” The CDC said it will continue to investigate the hatcheries associated with cases. What Can You Do To Be Safe?Here are some common measures to follow to prevent getting ill from Salmonella infections:Always wash your hands for 20 seconds after touching birds, their supplies, or collecting eggs. Use a pair of dedicated shoes or boots for your coop and don't wear them inside your house. Keep birds and supplies outside the house to prevent spreading germs into your house.Children younger than 5 years old shouldn't handle the birds (including chicks and ducklings) or anything in the area where the birds live and roam. They are more likely to get sick from Salmonella.   The CDC also advised businesses to Source poultry from hatcheries that take steps to reduce Salmonella contamination. Clean and sanitize poultry display areas between shipments of new poultry. Provide handwashing stations or hand sanitizers next to poultry display areas and tell customers to wash their hands right after leaving these areas. Display poultry out of reach of customers, especially chil­dren, so they cannot easily touch the poultry.  What is Salmonella?  As per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animals to people. The FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles, can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced. Pets, too, could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella.  Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.  The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.  In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.  Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness. 