UPDATE – Ongoing Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry sickens 150 more people with over a quarter of cases in children under 5 years old

CDC Warns of Multistate Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry

Public health officials are currently investigating three multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections tied to backyard poultry. The scale of the outbreak has grown significantly, with a recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 184 people have fallen ill across 31 states.

The outbreak is particularly concerning due to its impact on young children and the severity of some cases. To date, there have been 53 hospitalizations and one reported death in Washington state. Health experts are urging poultry owners and businesses to implement strict hygiene protocols to prevent further spread.

The Scope of the Outbreak

The current investigation has identified a sharp increase in cases, with 150 new illnesses and 40 new hospitalizations reported recently. These infections have spread across 18 additional states, bringing the total reach to 31 states.

A significant demographic trend has emerged: over a quarter of the people sickened in these outbreaks are children under five years old. Investigators noted that the largest of the three outbreaks involves an unusually high number of individuals who reported contact with ducks.

The CDC has linked these outbreak strains to five specific hatcheries. In response, the agency is working with state partners to notify these hatcheries, with the goal of educating new poultry owners and implementing better controls to stop Salmonella from spreading at the source.

Understanding Salmonella: Symptoms and Risks

Salmonella is a bacteria that can affect people of all ages, though some are more vulnerable than others. Most infected individuals develop the following symptoms between six hours and six days after exposure:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps

While the illness typically lasts four to seven days and most people recover without medical treatment, some cases become severe enough to require hospitalization. The CDC identifies three high-risk groups more likely to experience severe illness:

• Children younger than 5 years old
• Adults aged 65 and older
• People with weakened immune systems

Safety Guidelines for Backyard Poultry Owners

Backyard birds can carry Salmonella even if they appear healthy and clean. To protect your household, follow these evidence-based safety measures:

Hygiene and Handwashing

Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after touching birds, handling their supplies, or collecting eggs. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Contamination Control

• Dedicated Footwear: Use a specific pair of shoes or boots for your coop. Never wear these shoes inside your home.
• Outdoor Storage: Keep all birds and their associated supplies—such as feed containers—outside the house to prevent germs from entering your living space.

Protecting Young Children

Because children under five are at a higher risk for severe infection, they should not handle birds (including chicks and ducklings) or any materials in the areas where the birds live and roam.

Preventative Measures for Poultry Businesses

Businesses that sell or display poultry play a critical role in stopping the chain of infection. The CDC recommends the following actions for hatcheries and retailers:

• Responsible Sourcing: Source poultry from hatcheries that utilize active steps to reduce Salmonella contamination.
• Sanitization: Thoroughly clean and sanitize poultry display areas between every shipment of new birds.
• Customer Hygiene: Provide handwashing stations or hand sanitizers directly next to poultry display areas and explicitly instruct customers to wash their hands after leaving the area.
• Strategic Display: Position poultry out of easy reach of customers, particularly children, to minimize direct contact.

Key Takeaways for Quick Reference

As investigations continue, poultry owners should remain vigilant. If you suspect you or a family member has a Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider. For state-specific inquiries, the CDC recommends contacting your local state health department.