At least seven people have been sickened by salmonella
The outbreak is linked to backyard poultry
Chickens can carry salmonella even if they seem healthy
TUESDAY, May 6, 2025 (HealthDay News) — A salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry has made at least seven people sick across six states, U.S. health officials reported Monday.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said two cases were found in Missouri and one each in Florida, Illinois, South Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin. The illnesses occurred in February and March of this year.
All the people were infected with the same strain of salmonella, which has been linked to poultry hatcheries in the past, The Associated Press reported.
The investigation is ongoing, according to health officials.
Salmonella is a common germ that causes about 1.35 million infections in the United States each year. People can get sick from eating or handling contaminated food or animals.
While recent salmonella outbreaks have been linked to cucumbers, eggs, unpasteurized milk, fresh basil and even reptiles like bearded dragons, backyard poultry is a growing concern.
Chickens and other poultry can carry salmonella even if they appear healthy and clean.Â
Last year, a similar outbreak linked to backyard poultry caused 470 infections in 48 states and led to one death, AP said.
The CDC urges people who handle backyard poultry to wash their hands thoroughly afterward and avoid touching their mouths or eating during contact with the animals.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on salmonella infection.
SOURCE: The Associated Press, May 5, 2025
What This Means For You
If you keep backyard poultry, be extra cautious. Wash your hands thoroughly and avoid close contact to prevent illness.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.