Key Takeaway:
- 34 people sickened across 13 states by Salmonella linked to backyard poultry; 13 hospitalized, no deaths reported.
- Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella strain detected, making infections harder to treat and raising health risks.
- Young children are most affected; CDC urges strict handwashing and safe poultry handling practices.
Thirty-four people across 13 states fell ill between February and March after exposure to backyard poultry carrying antibiotic-resistant Salmonella, prompting federal health officials to issue nationwide safety warnings.
CDC Links Illnesses to Backyard Poultry Exposure
Federal health officials say a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry has sickened at least 34 people and hospitalized 13, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The illnesses occurred over roughly one month, primarily affecting people who handled chickens, ducks, turkeys, or geese or came into contact with their eggs. No deaths have been reported.
Of 29 patients interviewed, 23 said they had direct contact with backyard poultry in the week before becoming ill. About 14 reported owning poultry recently purchased or obtained since Jan. 1.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we are working to determine where the poultry originated,” the CDC said in a statement. Investigators are collecting information about hatcheries and suppliers connected to the animals.
Cases have been confirmed in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, with additional infections reported in Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Health officials warn that the true number of infections is likely higher because many people recover without testing or medical care.
Antibiotic Resistance Raises Health Concerns
Laboratory testing shows the Salmonella strain linked to the outbreak is predicted to resist several commonly used antibiotics, including fosfomycin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline.
Experts say antibiotic resistance makes infections harder to treat and may require stronger medications that carry greater risks of side effects.
Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella infections can lead to serious complications, especially among vulnerable groups,” the CDC said. Officials noted that treatment options may become limited when first-line antibiotics fail.
Children appear particularly affected. About 41 percent of those infected were younger than 5 years old, an age group more likely to develop severe illness from Salmonella exposure.
Young children frequently interact closely with backyard animals, increasing the risk of accidental contamination through unwashed hands or household surfaces, health authorities said.
Officials Urge Hygiene and Safe Poultry Practices
The CDC is urging poultry owners and families to take preventive steps, including washing hands thoroughly after touching birds or eggs, keeping poultry outside living spaces, and supervising children during animal contact.
Officials also recommend cleaning equipment outdoors, safely storing eggs, and avoiding kissing or snuggling backyard birds, practices that can spread bacteria.
Salmonella remains the leading cause of food poisoning-related hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that about 1.35 million infections occur annually, resulting in roughly 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.
Most people recover within several days without medical treatment, but severe cases can cause dehydration, bloodstream infections, or other complications requiring hospitalization.
Health officials emphasize that backyard poultry ownership has increased nationwide in recent years, making education about safe handling practices increasingly important.
“Simple hygiene measures significantly reduce the risk of illness,” the CDC said. “People should assume poultry can carry salmonella even when birds appear healthy.”
The source of the current outbreak has not yet been identified, and investigators continue tracing poultry distribution networks as new cases are monitored nationwide.
