CDC Warns of Increase in Salmonella Cases from Contact With Backyard Poultry

The rise in the price of eggs across the country has caused raising backyard chickens to become very popular among homeowners with the space and permission to do so.

But now the Centers for Disease Control reports that local public health officials are investigating multistate outbreaks of Salmonella linked to contact with backyard poultry.

According to a CDC release issued last Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta says as of August 19, 409 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 45 states, including Georgia and South Carolina.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 18, 2024, to August 5, 2024.

Of 321 people with information available, 102 (32%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

In Georgia and South Carolina, 30 people have been sickened by the bacteria as a result of coming in contact with infected birds.

However, the CDC said the true number of sick people in this salmonella outbreak is also likely much higher than the number reported.

This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.

State and local public health officials are continuing to interview people about the animals they came into contact with during the week before they got sick.

Of the 267 people interviewed, 178 (67%) reported contact with backyard poultry.

Of 166 people with information available, 52% reported purchasing or obtaining poultry before getting sick.

People reported obtaining poultry from retail stores, hatcheries, local farms, flea markets, and friends or relatives.

A common poultry supplier has not been identified across all outbreaks.

Any backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs that can make you sick.

The CDC advises poultry owners to always take steps to stay healthy around their flock, including washing hands before and after being in contact with the birds and keep their living area as clean and sanitary as possible.