CDC Links Salmonella Outbreak To Backyard Chickens—7 Infected In Six US States (Image Credits: iStock)
A new salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry has sickened at least seven individuals in six US states, according to a statement released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday.
The affected states include Missouri, which has reported two cases, while Florida, Illinois, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin have each reported one case. The infections were recorded during February and March of this year, and all individuals were found to be infected with the same strain of salmonella. This type has been connected to hatcheries in previous outbreaks. The CDC notes that the investigation is ongoing.
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that causes around 1.35 million illnesses in the United States annually. While previous outbreaks have been linked to contaminated food items such as cucumbers, eggs, unpasteurized milk, fresh basil, and even exotic pets like geckos and bearded dragons, backyard poultry has become a growing concern in recent years.
Health experts warn that chickens and other poultry raised in home environments can carry salmonella bacteria in their droppings and on their feathers, beaks, and feet—even if they appear clean and healthy. Direct contact with these animals or their environment can lead to human infection. In a major outbreak last year linked to backyard poultry, there were 470 reported cases across 48 states, including one fatality.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
People infected with salmonella typically develop symptoms within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Common signs include:
Fever
Abdominal cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Most people recover without medical treatment within 4 to 7 days. However, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe illness.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of salmonella infection from backyard poultry, the CDC advises:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling poultry or their eggs.
Other Health Risks from Poultry
In addition to Salmonella, backyard poultry can carry other infectious bacteria and parasites. These include:
Campylobacter is another bacteria that causes diarrhoea and fever.
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