Public health officials are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections in several states linked to contact with backyard poultry. As of May 16, 109 people in 29 states have been infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella. Although no deaths were reported, 33 people were hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of taking precautions when handling backyard poultry to prevent the spread of this bacteria.
Backyard poultry and salmonella
Backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry salmonella germs even if they appear healthy and clean. These germs can spread easily to anything in areas where poultry live and move. Humans can get sick by touching backyard poultry or anything in their environment and then touching their mouth or food, thereby swallowing the Salmonella germs.
Epidemiological, laboratory and traceability data indicate that contact with backyard poultry makes people sick. The illnesses were reported between February 28, 2024 and April 30, 2024, and the true number of sick people is likely higher than reported because many recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella.
Of those surveyed, 73 percent reported contact with backyard poultry, and 67 percent of those with available information had purchased or obtained poultry before their illness. Poultry was purchased from several retail stores and hatcheries, and no common supplier was identified for all households.
Consumer Safety Tips:
To stay safe around backyard poultry and prevent Salmonella infections, the CDC recommends the following guidelines:
wash your hands
Always wash your hands with soap and water immediately after touching backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything in their environment. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Keeping hand sanitizer near your chicken coop can be helpful.
Be safe around backyard flocks
Avoid kissing or snuggling backyard poultry and avoid eating or drinking near them. This can spread Salmonella germs in your mouth and make you sick. Keep your poultry and the supplies used to care for them, such as feed containers and shoes worn in the coop, outside the house. Clean these supplies outside as well.
Supervise children around herds
Always supervise children around backyard poultry and make sure they wash their hands properly. Children under 5 years old should not touch chicks, ducklings or other backyard poultry because they are more likely to get sick from germs like salmonella.
Handle eggs safely
Collect eggs frequently, as eggs left in the nest may become dirty or broken. Throw away any cracked eggs, as germs on the shell can easily enter through the cracks. Clean eggs with a brush, cloth, or fine sandpaper instead of washing them, as cold water can attract germs to the egg. Refrigerate the eggs to keep them fresh and slow the growth of germs, and cook the eggs until the yolk and white are firm. Cook egg dishes to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill any bacteria.
Monitor your health
If you experience serious symptoms such as diarrhea and a fever above 102°F, diarrhea that lasts more than three days and does not improve, bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting that makes it difficult to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration (such as not peeing much, being dry). mouth and throat, or dizziness when standing), contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Advice for poultry retailers
Stores selling backyard poultry should source birds from hatcheries that reduce Salmonella contamination by following USDA best management practices. Poultry display areas should be cleaned and disinfected between shipments, and hand washing stations or hand sanitizers should be installed adjacent to poultry display areas. Present poultry out of reach of customers, especially children, to avoid direct contact. Provide health information to potential buyers, explaining how to stay healthy with backyard flocks.
Ongoing investigations
Public health investigators are using DNA fingerprinting to identify diseases that may be involved in this outbreak. Samples taken from poultry shipping boxes from Ohio and Utah matched the strains of Salmonella found in the sick individuals. Although most people with Salmonella recover without antibiotics, some strains can be resistant, making treatment difficult.
The CDC continues to advise caution and good hygiene around backyard poultry to control the spread of Salmonella.
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