The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an investigation notice regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry. As of today, May 13, 2025, seven people across six states have been reported sick.
The CDC emphasizes that backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even if they appear healthy and clean. Individuals can become ill by touching these birds or anything in their environment and then inadvertently swallowing the bacteria by touching their mouth or food.
The CDC advises the public to take the following precautions:
- Wash Hands Thoroughly: Always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds immediately after touching birds, their supplies (feed, water dishes, bedding, etc.), or collecting eggs.
- Dedicated Footwear: Use a dedicated pair of shoes or boots when in your coop or poultry area and do not wear them inside your house to prevent tracking germs indoors.
- Keep Poultry Outdoors: Keep birds and all their supplies outside of the house to prevent the spread of Salmonella germs into your living spaces.
- Protect Young Children: Young children under the age of 5 are at higher risk of severe illness due to their developing immune systems and tendency to put things in their mouths. Do not allow children younger than 5 years old to touch the birds (including chicks and ducklings) or anything in the area where the birds live and roam.
The CDC also provides recommendations for businesses:
- Hatchery Best Practices: Hatcheries should implement best management practices to prevent Salmonella contamination in poultry and stores should source poultry from hatcheries that take these preventative steps.
- Clean Display Areas: Stores should thoroughly clean and sanitize poultry display areas between shipments of new birds.
About Salmonella:
- Most people infected with Salmonella develop symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure.
- The illness usually lasts for 4 to 7 days, and the majority of individuals recover without requiring medical treatment.
- However, in some cases, the illness can be severe enough to necessitate hospitalization.
- Young children (under 5 years), adults aged 65 and older, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of experiencing severe illness from Salmonella infection.
The CDC is actively working to investigate this outbreak and will provide updates as more information becomes available. The public is urged to follow the recommended precautions to protect themselves and their families from Salmonella infection associated with backyard poultry.
