CDC Updates Salmonella Backyard Poultry Outbreak With 150 More Illnesses, New States, and Hospitalizations
The CDC says three multistate Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry have grown by 150 illnesses, with cases now reported in 18 new states. The update also includes 53 hospitalizations and one death.
The outbreaks are tied to contact with backyard chicks, ducklings, poultry, and related supplies or coop materials. CDC says the investigations are linked to hatcheries, which makes this an important reminder for families who bring young birds home for spring and early summer.
What families should do now
- Wash hands right away after touching birds, feed, bedding, waterers, cages, or anything used in the coop.
- Keep birds and coop gear outside the house. Do not bring poultry, crates, bowls, boots, or cleaning tools into kitchens, mudrooms, or other indoor spaces used for food.
- Keep children under 5 away from birds and coop materials. Young kids are more likely to get sick after contact with poultry or contaminated surfaces.
- Change clothes and shoes after working around birds if you have been in the coop area, especially before handling food or helping children.
Even healthy-looking chicks and ducklings can carry Salmonella, so this is less about how the birds look and more about how people handle them. Hands, shoes, clothes, and gear can move germs from the coop into the home.
For home cooks and grandparents helping with backyard birds, the safest routine is simple: treat poultry and all coop supplies as outdoor-only, and wash up immediately after contact. That small habit can help protect the whole household.
