Federal health officials are investigating an outbreak of salmonella poisoning linked to backyard poultry that has sickened at least 34 people across 13 states since February, with some infections showing resistance to common antibiotics, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Outbreak Details and Demographics
Illnesses were reported between February 26 and March 31, with 13 individuals requiring hospitalization. The affected individuals range in age from 1 to 78 years, but more than 40% are children under the age of 5, the CDC reported last week. States with confirmed cases include Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Officials caution that additional illnesses in other states may emerge as the investigation continues.
Contact with Backyard Poultry
Of the sick people interviewed, nearly 80% reported contact with backyard poultry, which includes chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and turkeys. Among those who owned such birds, more than 90% had acquired the animals since January 2026. The poultry were obtained from various sources, including agricultural retail stores, and health authorities are tracing the origins of the animals to identify potential contamination points.
Antibiotic Resistance Concerns
Bacterial samples from the 34 patients indicate possible resistance to at least one drug commonly used to treat salmonella infections. Some samples also show resistance to four other standard antibiotics. This raises significant public health concerns, as infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics can lead to severe illness or death, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Previous Outbreaks and Prevention
The CDC has investigated multiple salmonella outbreaks tied to backyard poultry in recent years. In 2025, a similar outbreak affected over 500 people across 48 states, resulting in 125 hospitalizations and two deaths. Young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of severe illness.
To prevent infection, the CDC recommends thorough handwashing after handling poultry, their food, or any items in their environment. Additionally, people should avoid kissing or snuggling with backyard birds, as these actions can facilitate the spread of germs.
