Salmonella Outbreak Spreads Across 13 States Affecting 34 People

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced an ongoing multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry. As of April 23, 2026, a total of 34 people across 13 states have been confirmed sick with the same strain of Salmonella, according to the agency’s investigation notice. The outbreak has resulted in 13 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported.

Outbreak Details and Affected States

The CDC’s investigation reveals that illnesses have been reported in the following states: Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. The agency cautions that additional cases may emerge, as it can take several weeks for reports to be fully confirmed and added to the official count.

The earliest reported illness began on February 26, 2026, with the most recent case documented on March 31, 2026. Among those sickened, more than 40% are children under the age of 5, a group particularly vulnerable to severe Salmonella infections. Interviews conducted with affected individuals indicate that nearly 80% had recent contact with backyard poultry, such as chickens or ducks. Of those who owned such birds, over 90% had acquired them since January 2026, often from agricultural retail stores.

How Backyard Poultry Spread Salmonella

Backyard poultry, including chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and turkeys, can carry Salmonella bacteria even when they appear healthy and clean. The CDC emphasizes that people can become infected by touching the birds, their supplies, or the environments where they live, and then touching their mouths or food without properly washing their hands. The bacteria can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as coops, feeders, or water containers.

Laboratory analysis of samples from the 34 sick individuals has revealed that the strain of Salmonella involved may be resistant to at least one antibiotic commonly used to treat infections. Some samples also showed potential resistance to four additional antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to more severe illness, longer hospital stays, and increased risk of complications, particularly for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

CDC Recommendations for Backyard Poultry Owners

To reduce the risk of Salmonella infection, the CDC has issued the following guidance for individuals who own or interact with backyard poultry:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching birds, their supplies, or anything in their environment, such as eggs or coop surfaces.
• Use dedicated shoes or boots when entering the coop, and avoid wearing them inside the home to prevent tracking germs indoors.
• Keep poultry and their supplies outside the house to minimize the risk of contamination in living spaces.
• Avoid allowing children under the age of 5 to handle birds or anything in their living areas, as young children are more susceptible to severe illness from Salmonella.
• Supervise older children when they interact with poultry to ensure they follow proper hygiene practices.
• Do not eat or drink in areas where poultry live or roam.
• Clean and disinfect poultry equipment, such as feeders and waterers, regularly.
• Collect eggs frequently to prevent them from becoming dirty or cracked, and refrigerate them promptly after collection.

The CDC has also released educational videos to help backyard poultry owners learn how to maintain safe and healthy environments for their flocks while protecting themselves and their families from Salmonella.

Guidance for Businesses Selling Backyard Poultry

The CDC has outlined steps that agricultural retail stores and other businesses selling backyard poultry should take to reduce the risk of Salmonella transmission:

• Source poultry from hatcheries that implement measures to reduce Salmonella contamination.
• Clean and sanitize poultry display areas between shipments of new birds to prevent cross-contamination.
• Provide handwashing stations or hand sanitizers near poultry display areas, and encourage customers to wash their hands immediately after handling birds.
• Display clear signage reminding customers of the risks associated with Salmonella and the importance of proper hygiene.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Salmonella infections typically cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which usually develop within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure to the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment within 4 to 7 days, but severe cases may require hospitalization, particularly in vulnerable populations. Individuals who experience persistent high fever, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration—such as dizziness, reduced urination, or dry mouth—should seek medical attention promptly.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

The CDC, in collaboration with state and local health departments, continues to investigate the sources of the backyard poultry linked to this outbreak. While the agency has not yet identified a single common supplier, interviews with affected individuals suggest that birds were acquired from multiple agricultural retail stores. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Public health officials urge backyard poultry owners to remain vigilant and follow the CDC’s recommended safety practices to prevent further spread of Salmonella. The agency also encourages healthcare providers to be aware of the outbreak and consider Salmonella infection in patients presenting with compatible symptoms, particularly if they report recent contact with backyard poultry.

For more information, the public can visit the CDC’s outbreak investigation page, which includes detailed guidance for flock owners, businesses, and the general public.