Backyard Poultry Salmonella Outbreak Spreads Across 13 States

Officials have confirmed 34 cases of illness

AARP

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Published April 29, 2026

close up on chicken in side coop in back yard

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A salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chickens and ducks has spread to 13 states, sickening 34 people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced. Some infections may be resistant to common antibiotics, which can make illnesses harder to treat.

Thirteen people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. However, the CDC believes the true number of people affected may be higher because many recover without medical care and some recent illnesses may not yet be reported. Reported illnesses began in late February and continued through the end of March.

States reporting cases are Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

CDC investigators say nearly 80 percent of the 29 people interviewed reported contact with backyard poultry.

Why this keeps happening

Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry have become a near‑annual occurrence. As more people raise chickens and ducks at home, especially in spring, opportunities for close contact increase — along with the risk of exposure to bacteria the birds naturally carry. Because poultry can shed salmonella without looking sick, health officials say consistent handwashing and keeping birds out of homes remain the most effective ways to prevent infection.

Salmonella germs can spread from backyard poultry to people through direct contact, or by touching anything in the birds’ environment, then touching your mouth or food.

Safety tips for backyard flock owners

To help protect yourself and your family:

1. Wash your hands. Always wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching poultry or their supplies, or collecting eggs. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

2. Be cautious around flocks. Avoid kissing or snuggling birds, and don’t eat or drink around them. Keep poultry and their supplies outside the home.

3. Supervise children. Children younger than 5 should not handle chicks, ducklings or anything in areas where poultry live. Young children are at higher risk of serious illness.

4. Handle eggs safely. Collect eggs often, discard cracked ones and brush off dirt with a cloth or fine sandpaper. Refrigerate eggs promptly and cook them thoroughly. Don’t wash eggs, which can pull germs into the shell.

Recognizing symptoms of salmonella

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after exposure. Illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

Some infections, however, can be severe and require hospitalization — particularly in young children, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems. A confirmed diagnosis is made with a lab test of a stool or fluid sample, and antibiotics may be recommended for people at higher risk of severe illness.

Call your health care provider right away if you have:

Diarrhea with a fever over 102°F
Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
Bloody diarrhea
Vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down
Signs of dehydration, including urinating very little, dizziness when standing up, or a dry mouth or throat.