UPDATE – Ongoing Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry sickens 150 more people with over a quarter of cases in children under 5 years old

Public health officials are currently investigating three multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry. According to an update released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 14, 2026, the outbreaks have sickened 184 people across 31 states.

The current totals include 53 hospitalizations and one death. The fatality occurred in a person from Washington state.

Of the 184 reported cases, 150 are new additions to the count and the outbreaks have expanded into 18 new states.

Vulnerability in Young Children

A significant portion of those affected are young children. Data from the investigation indicates that over a quarter of the people sickened in these outbreaks are children under 5 years old.

Public health guidance emphasizes that children in this age group are more likely to become severely ill from Salmonella. The CDC advises that children younger than 5 years old should not handle birds, including chicks and ducklings, or any items in the areas where the birds live and roam.

Investigation and Source Tracking

Investigators have linked the outbreak strains of Salmonella to five different hatcheries. The CDC is collaborating with state partners to notify these hatcheries of the links to help control the spread of the bacteria and educate new poultry owners.

While various types of backyard poultry can carry the bacteria, the largest of the three outbreaks has an unusually high number of cases involving people who reported contact with ducks.

Health officials note that backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even when the animals appear healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to the environment where the poultry live and roam.

Prevention and Safety Guidelines

Salmonella germs can be swallowed if a person touches backyard poultry or their environment and then touches their mouth or food. To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC provides several safety recommendations for poultry owners.

• Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds immediately after touching birds, their eggs, or any supplies in the area where they live.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available, and consider keeping sanitizer at the coop.
• Avoid kissing or snuggling backyard poultry.
• Refrain from eating or drinking while around the birds.
• Keep all poultry and related supplies, such as feed containers, outside of the home.
• Use dedicated shoes or boots for the coop and avoid wearing them inside the house.
• Clean all poultry-related supplies outside the home.

The CDC also advises that children should be supervised at all times around backyard flocks to ensure they wash their hands properly after any interaction.

For businesses, the agency recommends sourcing poultry from hatcheries that implement specific steps to reduce Salmonella contamination.