CDC Investigates Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry Farms

At least nine people in Georgia have been sickened with salmonella from poultry raised in their backyards.

That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC reports that as of May 20, 2021, a total of 163 people infected with one of the outbreak strains have been reported from 43 states, including Georgia, and the Carolinas.

Of the 109 people with information available, 34 have been hospitalized.

However, no deaths have been reported.

Reported cases of salmonella from backyard poultry growers started in February and spiked in April, according to the CDC.

Additionally, they say the true number of sick people in an outbreak is also likely much higher than the number reported because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.

Those who got sick ranged in age from less than 1 to 87 years, with a median age of 24 years, and 58% are female.

Backyard poultry, like chicken and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean.

These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where they live and roam.

Backyard growers can get sick from touching backyard poultry or anything in their environment and then touching your mouth or food, and swallowing Salmonella germs.

The CDC recommends backyard poultry growers always wash your hands with soap and water immediately after touching backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything in the area where they live and roam.

Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.

Keep your backyard flock and supplies you use to care for them (like feed containers and shoes you wear in the coop) outside of the house.

Always supervise children around backyard poultry and make sure they wash their hands properly afterward.

Don’t let children younger than 5 years touch chicks, ducklings, or other backyard poultry. Young children are more likely to get sick from germs like Salmonella.

Collect eggs often. Eggs that sit in the nest can become dirty or break.

Refrigerate eggs to keep them fresh and slow the growth of germs.