Safety Report: CDC Warns of Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Poultry, USA

United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a multi-state Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry. The outbreak has reportedly sickened 109 people, with 33 individuals requiring hospitalization, across 29 states (AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, & WI). The problem was discovered after the CDC noticed a pattern in the reported cases of Salmonella. The common link among the infected individuals was their contact with backyard poultry. This led to a deeper investigation, which confirmed the source of the outbreak. The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and advises the public to practice good hygiene when handling backyard poultry and their eggs.

The CDC's investigation revealed that the Salmonella infections have resulted from individuals touching or caring for backyard poultry. Alarmingly, 43% of those infected are children under the age of five. The agency has emphasized that backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs, which can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam. This can lead to individuals getting sick from touching their backyard poultry or anything in their environment and then touching their mouth or food.

CDC recommends:
- Wash your hands immediately after touching backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything in the area where they live and roam.
- Supervise kids around flocks. Young children are more likely to become very ill from Salmonella.
- Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.
- Handle eggs safely.

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0523-salmonella-poultry-flocks.html