Health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry, including chickens and ducks. As of , seven people across six states – Florida, Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin – have been confirmed to have contracted the infection after contact with backyard poultry.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first announced the outbreak on , and is urging individuals who keep backyard poultry to take preventative measures. The initial illnesses appeared between and .
Understanding the Risk
Even if they appear healthy and clean, backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs. Individuals can become infected by touching the birds themselves, their environment, or anything the birds have been in contact with, and then touching their mouth or food. This highlights the importance of diligent hygiene practices when interacting with poultry.
Symptoms and Severity
Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days of exposure. The illness typically lasts four to seven days, and most individuals recover without requiring medical treatment. However, the CDC notes that severe illness, potentially requiring hospitalization, can occur, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Preventative Measures for Individuals
The CDC recommends several key steps to minimize the risk of Salmonella infection:
- Handwashing: Always wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after touching birds, their supplies, or collecting eggs.
- Dedicated Footwear: Use a dedicated pair of shoes or boots specifically for the coop area and avoid wearing them inside the house.
- Containment: Keep birds and their supplies outside the house to prevent the spread of germs indoors.
- Protecting Young Children: Children under five years old are particularly vulnerable and should not touch birds (including chicks and ducklings) or anything in their living area. Their developing immune systems and tendency to put things in their mouths increase their risk.
Recommendations for Businesses
The CDC also provides guidance for businesses involved in the poultry supply chain:
- Hatcheries: Hatcheries should implement best management practices to prevent Salmonella contamination in poultry.
- Retailers: Stores should source poultry from hatcheries that actively work to reduce Salmonella contamination.
- Sanitation: Poultry display areas should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between shipments of new poultry.
Investigation and Strain Identification
The current outbreak involves a specific strain of Salmonella that has been linked to hatcheries in the past. As of , the outbreak has expanded to 104 cases across 35 states, with one death reported in Illinois. Twenty-five patients (30%) have required hospitalization. The CDC emphasizes that the actual number of cases is likely higher than reported.
Investigators have found the outbreak strain in samples collected from boxes used to ship poultry from hatcheries to stores. The CDC is working with state partners to notify hatcheries and assess potential links to upstream suppliers. Pennsylvania currently reports the highest number of cases (14), followed by Colorado (9), Tennessee (8), Illinois (7), and Virginia (6).
Past Outbreaks and Ongoing Monitoring
The CDC has reported significant Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry in recent years. A previous outbreak that concluded last year involved 470 cases across 48 states, including one fatality. This underscores the ongoing risk associated with backyard poultry and the importance of continued vigilance.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation and provide updates as the investigation progresses. Individuals with concerns about potential Salmonella infection are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider. Further information and updates can be found on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/mbandaka-05-01/index.html.
