Thirty-four people across 13 states have fallen ill with a strain of salmonella linked with backyard poultry, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials.
Since Jan. 1, 2026, 13 of the infected individuals have been hospitalized, but there have been no reported deaths. According to CDC data, 40% of infected people were under 5 years of age, with a median age of 12.
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The CDC said the actual number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than reported and that the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses.
“State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the animals they came into contact with in the week before they got sick,” the CDC said. “Of the 29 people interviewed, 23 (79%) reported contact with backyard poultry.”
Backyard poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys can carry salmonella even if they appear healthy and clean. The sickness is transmitted by touching one’s mouth or food with unwashed hands and then swallowing bacteria after handling backyard poultry or anything in their environment.
Federal officials recommend washing hands immediately after touching backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything in the area where they live and roam.
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They also advise not eating or drinking near backyard poultry or their living areas.
In 2025, a salmonella outbreak sickened more than 500 people, including two reported deaths. Young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to the illness.
