A CDC investigation announcement of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks has been published.

Key points:

• CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with live poultry, such as chicks and ducklings, in backyard flocks.
• There have been 52 ill people reported from 21 states.
• Five people have been hospitalised. No deaths have been reported.
• About one-fourth of the ill people are children younger than 5 years.
• The people who got sick reported getting chicks and ducklings from places such as agricultural stores, websites, and hatcheries.
• People can get sick from Salmonella from touching live poultry or their environment. Birds carrying the bacteria can appear healthy and clean.

Advice to consumers:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in their environment. Use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not immediately available.
• Do not let live poultry inside the house, including in bathrooms. Be especially careful to keep them out of areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens and outdoor patios.
• Set aside a pair of shoes to wear while taking care of your birds and keep those outside of your home.
• Children younger than 5, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems shouldn’t handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other poultry.
• Don’t eat or drink where poultry live or roam.
• Don’t kiss backyard poultry, or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth.
• Stay outdoors when cleaning any equipment or materials used to raise or care for poultry, such as cages, or feed or water containers.

About Salmonella:

• Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12-72 hours after eating contaminated food.
• The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
• More information can be found here.

If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.