Eight Multistate Outbreaks of Human Salmonella Infections Linked to Live Poultry in Backyard Flocks

At A Glance

Case Count: 611
States: 45
Deaths: 1
Hospitalizations: 138

More Information

People infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella, by date of illness onset

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People infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella by state of residence, as of July 14, 2016.

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What’s New?

One more outbreak was identified, bringing the total to eight outbreaks under investigation.
287 more ill people have been reported.
10 more states have reported cases, bringing the total to 45 states with ill people.
In the eight outbreaks, 611 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella were reported from 45 states.

Highlights

Read the Advice to Backyard Flock Owners »
CDC, multiple states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) are investigating eight separate multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella infections linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks.
- In the eight outbreaks, 611 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonellawere reported from 45 states.
- Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 4, 2016 to June 25, 2016.
- 138 ill people were hospitalized, and one death was reported. Salmonella infection was not considered to be a cause of death.
- 195 (32%) ill people were children 5 years of age or younger.
Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory findings have linked the eight outbreaks to contact with live poultry such as chicks and ducklings sourced from multiple hatcheries.
Regardless of where they were purchased, all live poultry can carry Salmonella bacteria, even if they look healthy and clean.
These outbreaks are a reminder to follow steps to enjoy your backyard flock and keep your family healthy.
- Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where the birds live and roam.
- Do not let live poultry inside the house.
- Do not let children younger than 5 years of age handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry without adult supervision.
These outbreaks are expected to continue for the next several months since flock owners might be unaware of the risk of Salmonella infection from live poultry or participate in risky behaviors that can result in infection.

July 19, 2016

Outbreak Summary Update

Since the last update on June 2, 2016, one more outbreak was identified, bringing the total to eight outbreaks under investigation. Another 287 ill people have been reported from 45 states for these eight outbreaks.

As of July 14, 2016, 611 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 45 states. A list of states and the number of cases in each can be found on the Case Count Map page.

Among people for whom information is available, illnesses started on dates ranging from January 4, 2016 to June 25, 2016. Ill people range in age from less than 1 year to 93, with a median age of 20. Of ill people, 52% are female. Among 496 ill people with available information, 138 (28%) reported being hospitalized, and one death was reported.Salmonella was not considered to be a cause of death.

Illnesses that started after June 16, 2016 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks.

Investigation Update

Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory findings have linked the eight outbreaks to contact with live poultry such as chicks and ducklings from multiple hatcheries.

In interviews, ill people answered questions about contact with animals and foods consumed during the week before becoming ill. Contact with live poultry (chicks, chickens, ducks, ducklings) in the week before becoming ill was reported by 434 of 493 ill people interviewed, or 88%.

Ill people reported purchasing live baby poultry from several suppliers, including feed supply stores, Internet sites, hatcheries, and friends in multiple states. Ill people reported purchasing live poultry to produce eggs, learn about agriculture, have as a hobby, enjoy for fun, keep as pets, or to give as Easter gifts. Some of the places ill people reported contact with live poultry include their home, someone else’s home, work, or school settings.

Public health officials collected samples from live poultry and the environments where the poultry live and roam from the homes of ill people in several states. Laboratory testing isolated four of the outbreak strains of Salmonella.

More information about each outbreak is available in the outbreak summaries below.