Backyard Poultry Linked to Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak: CDC Warning

Federal health officials are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry, with at least 34 confirmed illnesses and 13 hospitalizations reported across 13 states as of late April 2026. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that some of the infections may be resistant to common antibiotics, raising concerns about treatment challenges and public health risks.

Outbreak Details and Scope

The CDC’s investigation, announced in an April 23, 2026, notice, reveals that illnesses were reported between February 26 and March 31, 2026. Affected individuals range in age from 1 to 78 years old, with more than 40% of cases involving children under the age of 5. States with confirmed cases include Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Officials caution that additional illnesses and states may be identified as the investigation continues.

Of the 34 confirmed cases, 13 individuals have required hospitalization. While no deaths have been reported in this outbreak, the CDC emphasizes that Salmonella infections can lead to severe illness, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The agency’s analysis of bacterial samples from infected individuals indicates that some strains may be resistant to at least one antibiotic commonly used to treat Salmonella, with a subset showing potential resistance to four additional antibiotics.

Source of the Outbreak

Nearly 80% of those interviewed by health officials reported recent contact with backyard poultry, including chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and turkeys. Among poultry owners who fell ill, more than 90% had acquired their birds since January 2026. The animals were obtained from various sources, including agricultural retail stores, though the specific origins of the contaminated poultry remain under investigation.

The CDC underscores that backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs even when they appear healthy, and clean. These bacteria can spread to surfaces, feed, water, and other objects in the birds’ environment, creating multiple pathways for human exposure. Transmission typically occurs when individuals touch poultry or contaminated materials and then touch their mouths or food without proper hand hygiene.

Antibiotic Resistance Concerns

The detection of drug-resistant Salmonella strains in this outbreak highlights a growing public health challenge. Infections that do not respond to standard antibiotics can lead to prolonged illnesses, increased hospitalization rates, and higher risks of complications. The CDC has previously documented similar resistance patterns in other Salmonella outbreaks linked to livestock, including those involving commercial poultry operations.

While the CDC has not released specific details about the genetic profile of the resistant strains in this outbreak, the agency notes that antibiotic resistance in Salmonella has been an increasing concern in recent years. Overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture, including backyard flocks, has been identified as a contributing factor to the development of resistant bacteria.

Prevention and Safety Guidelines

The CDC has issued updated safety recommendations for individuals who keep or interact with backyard poultry. Key measures include:

• Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching poultry, their eggs, or anything in their environment. Hand sanitizer should be used if soap and water are not immediately available.
• Avoiding close contact behaviors such as kissing, snuggling, or eating or drinking near poultry, as these actions increase the risk of ingesting Salmonella germs.
• Keeping poultry and related supplies (e.g., feed containers, coop shoes) outside the home to prevent contamination of indoor spaces.
• Supervising children around poultry and ensuring they wash their hands properly after contact. Children under 5 years old should not handle or touch backyard poultry due to their higher risk of severe illness.
• Using dedicated footwear when entering coops or poultry areas and avoiding wearing these shoes inside the home.
• Cleaning poultry supplies outside the house to minimize the spread of germs.

For hatcheries and agricultural retailers, the CDC recommends implementing best management practices to reduce Salmonella contamination in poultry. This includes sourcing birds from hatcheries with strong biosecurity measures and regularly cleaning and sanitizing display areas between shipments of new poultry.

Symptoms and Treatment

Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, typically causes symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which usually appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. While most individuals recover within 4 to 7 days without treatment, severe cases may require hospitalization, particularly if the infection spreads from the intestines to the bloodstream. Antibiotic treatment is generally reserved for severe or complicated cases, but the presence of resistant strains can complicate clinical management.

The CDC advises individuals who experience severe symptoms—such as prolonged high fever, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration—to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical, especially for vulnerable populations.

Broader Context and Recent Trends

This outbreak is not an isolated incident. The CDC has investigated multiple Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry in recent years, reflecting the growing popularity of urban and suburban poultry keeping. In 2025, a separate outbreak sickened more than 500 people across 48 states, resulting in 125 hospitalizations and two deaths. The recurring nature of these outbreaks has prompted public health agencies to emphasize the importance of education and preventive measures for poultry owners.

Public health experts note that while backyard poultry can provide benefits such as fresh eggs, pest control, and educational opportunities, they also pose inherent risks. Unlike commercial poultry operations, which are subject to regulatory oversight and food safety protocols, backyard flocks often lack standardized biosecurity measures, increasing the potential for zoonotic disease transmission.

What Comes Next

The CDC’s investigation remains active, with officials working to trace the source of the contaminated poultry and identify additional cases. The agency is collaborating with state and local health departments, as well as agricultural authorities, to gather more data and implement targeted interventions. Updates to the outbreak investigation will be posted on the CDC’s website as new information becomes available.

In the meantime, the CDC continues to urge poultry owners and those who interact with backyard flocks to follow safety guidelines rigorously. The agency also encourages healthcare providers to be vigilant for Salmonella cases, particularly those involving antibiotic-resistant strains, and to report suspected cases to local health departments.

For the public, the outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of hygiene and responsible animal husbandry. While backyard poultry can be a rewarding hobby, the risks of zoonotic diseases like Salmonella underscore the need for caution and proactive prevention.