Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Poultry: CDC Confirms 34 Cases Across 13 States
A multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry has sickened 34 people across 13 states, with 13 hospitalizations reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak strain, identified as Salmonella Saintpaul, underscores the risks of handling live poultry—even when birds appear healthy. The CDC has issued critical safety recommendations for poultry owners, families, and businesses to prevent further spread.
Outbreak Overview: What We Know
34 Cases Confirmed
13 states affected, with 13 hospitalizations and no deaths reported as of April 23, 2026.
High-Risk Groups
Children under 5 years old are at higher risk of severe illness from Salmonella exposure. The CDC advises limiting their contact with backyard poultry.
Transmission Pathways
Salmonella can spread through:
- Direct contact with poultry (chickens, ducks, or other birds)
- Handling eggs or poultry supplies
- Touching surfaces contaminated by poultry feces
- Unwashed hands after contact with poultry or their environment
CDC’s Urgent Safety Recommendations
For Backyard Poultry Owners
- Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after touching poultry, eggs, or anything in their environment.
- Use dedicated footwear for the coop—never wear the same shoes inside your home.
- Keep poultry outside the house to prevent spreading germs indoors.
- Supervise children under 5 years old and discourage them from handling poultry or eggs.
- Clean and disinfect coops, feeders, and waterers regularly.
For Businesses Selling Poultry
- Source poultry from hatcheries with Salmonella reduction programs.
- Sanitize display areas between shipments of new poultry.
- Provide handwashing stations or hand sanitizer near poultry displays.
- Educate customers on Salmonella risks and prevention.
Recognizing Salmonella Symptoms and Preventing Infection
Common Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last 4 to 7 days. Severe cases may require hospitalization, particularly in young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems.
General Prevention Tips
- Never eat raw or undercooked eggs from backyard poultry.
- Wash hands before and after handling poultry or eggs.
- Avoid kissing or snuggling poultry, especially around the face.
- Disinfect surfaces that may have come into contact with poultry feces.
- Monitor poultry health—even healthy-looking birds can carry Salmonella.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Salmonella be spread from person to person?
A: While Salmonella is primarily spread through contact with contaminated poultry or eggs, it can also spread from person to person if someone with the infection does not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
Q: Are store-bought eggs safe?
A: Store-bought eggs are regulated and undergo strict safety measures to reduce Salmonella contamination. However, eggs from backyard poultry are not subject to the same regulations and pose a higher risk.
Q: How long should I wait to wash my hands after touching poultry?
A: The CDC recommends washing hands immediately after touching poultry or anything in their environment. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds to ensure proper removal of germs.
Q: What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to Salmonella?
A: If you develop symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps within days of exposure, contact your healthcare provider. Severe symptoms or signs of dehydration (such as dizziness or inability to keep fluids down) require immediate medical attention.
Key Takeaways
- The current outbreak involves 34 cases of Salmonella Saintpaul across 13 states, linked to backyard poultry.
- Children under 5 are at highest risk for severe illness and should avoid contact with poultry.
- Salmonella can spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or unwashed hands.
- Simple hygiene measures—like handwashing and disinfecting surfaces—can significantly reduce infection risk.
- Businesses selling poultry should sanitize displays and educate customers on safety practices.
What’s Next: Monitoring and Prevention
The CDC continues to investigate this outbreak and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Public health officials emphasize that Salmonella outbreaks are preventable with proper hygiene and safety measures. As backyard poultry ownership grows in popularity, awareness of these risks is more critical than ever.
For the latest updates, visit the CDC’s outbreak page: CDC Salmonella Outbreak Investigation.