CDC: Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry in Missouri and other states

A new multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections has been linked to contact with backyard poultry, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this week.

So far, seven people across six states have been infected, including two people in Missouri. Health officials warn that even seemingly healthy backyard chickens and ducks can carry the Salmonella bacteria, posing a risk to those who handle them.

The CDC explains that people can become sick after touching poultry, their eggs, or anything in their environment—and then unknowingly transferring germs by touching their mouth or food. Symptoms typically appear between six hours and six days after exposure and may include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

While most people recover without treatment within a week, some—particularly children under 5, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems—may require hospitalization.

What You Should Do to Stay Safe

The CDC urges poultry owners to take these precautions:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling birds, their supplies, or eggs.
• Designate a specific pair of shoes or boots for visiting the chicken coop, and avoid bringing them indoors.
• Keep poultry and related supplies outside your home to prevent the spread of germs.
• Avoid letting children under 5 interact with poultry or their environment, as young children are more vulnerable to severe illness and are less likely to practice good hygiene.

Advice for Businesses

The CDC is also calling on hatcheries and stores that sell poultry to do their part:

• Hatcheries should implement best practices to minimize Salmonella contamination.
• Retailers should purchase birds from reputable sources and ensure poultry display areas are cleaned and sanitized between shipments.

For more information, the CDC’s full outbreak investigation notice is available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/mbandaka-05-01/index.html