The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry such as chickens and ducks.
This outbreak is significant because it involves antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria. These drug-resistant infections make treatment more difficult and increase the risk of severe illness, particularly for children who frequently handle backyard birds.
The scale of the outbreak varies by report. Some data indicates the infection has spread to 31 states [3], while other reports cite 13 states [4]. To date, 34 people have been hospitalized [1]. While some reports initially indicated no fatalities, other sources state that one person has died [3].
Health officials said that the risk is highest for the youngest populations. "Children younger than 5 years old shouldn't handle the birds," the CDC said [1].
Salmonella is a common cause of foodborne illness, but the transmission from live animals to humans remains a persistent public health challenge. In the U.S., Salmonella infections cause an average of 420 deaths annually [1].
The current investigation follows a pattern of warnings that began in April 2024 [2]. The CDC continues to monitor the spread of the bacteria as more cases are reported across the country. Officials recommend strict hand-washing, and hygiene protocols for anyone keeping poultry in residential areas to prevent further transmission.
“Children younger than 5 years old shouldn't handle the birds.”
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in residential settings highlights a growing gap in biosecurity for small-scale urban farming. Because children are more likely to interact with poultry without strict adherence to hygiene protocols, they serve as a primary vulnerability point for the spread of these harder-to-treat strains.
