CDC Probing 13-State Salmonella Outbreak From Backyard Chicken Coops

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is probing an outbreak of salmonella poisoning in 13 states that’s linked to backyard-raised chickens and other poultry. The strain is resistant to drugs. At least 34 people have been sickened by the illness. It's caused 13 patients to be sent to hospitals.

Salmonella is a common illness. It is a bacteria. It's not a virus. It comes from eating spoiled food or touching feces. Those who get it can have chills, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fevers. Thorough cooking of poultry and eggs kills the virus.  

Of the cases found by the CDC in March, 80% were people who'd had contact with farm birds at home. 

The outbreak is now under investigation in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. But CDC officials expect the list of states and number of cases to rise. 

Studies show that these infections take place less often in home coops than in big farms. A 2024 North Carolina study, for example, found salmonella in 19% of the samples from home pens. They found it in 52% of samples from big farms. But home chicken-keepers don’t tend to have the same strict health standards as big poultry farms. And home chickens are often treated as pets. Children play with them.    

“You can get sick from touching your backyard poultry ... and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing salmonella germs,” said the CDC. The agency suggested frequent washing of hands and not getting too close to these birds. 

Backyard chicken farming has become very popular in recent decades. Millions of Americans have their own pens. Many do so because it's cheaper and because chickens aid in pest control. That, and the eggs taste better, many home poultry farmers insist. 

Reflect: If you were going to raise chickens or other livestock at your home, what precautions would you take to make sure both the animals and humans were safe?

Gif of backyard chicken from GIPHY.