Health authorities in the United States are investigating a growing Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry after at least 34 people across 13 states became ill.
According to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak is associated with a strain identified as Salmonella Saintpaul. The agency reported that 13 of the affected individuals have been hospitalized, although no deaths have been recorded so far.
The illnesses were reported between February 26 and March 31, 2026, with officials warning that the actual number of infections may be significantly higher because many infected individuals recover without seeking medical attention or undergoing testing.
Children Among the Most Affected
Health investigators revealed that children account for a large proportion of the confirmed cases. The median age of infected individuals is 12 years, while about 41 per cent of patients are children under the age of five.
The youngest reported patient is less than one year old, while the oldest is 78 years old.
Of the 29 individuals interviewed during the investigation, 23 reported having direct contact with backyard poultry shortly before becoming ill. Investigators also found that most of the poultry owners had recently purchased or obtained birds from agricultural retail stores earlier this year.
Investigation Traces Source to Backyard Poultry
Public health officials used PulseNet, a national laboratory network managed by the CDC, to analyze the genetic fingerprints of bacteria collected from infected patients.
Through whole genome sequencing, scientists confirmed that the Salmonella samples shared closely related genetic characteristics, suggesting a common source of infection.
The investigation gained further confirmation after health officials in Ohio identified the same Salmonella Saintpaul strain in samples collected from backyard poultry.
Authorities say the findings strongly support evidence that contact with backyard birds is linked to the outbreak spreading across multiple states.
Concerns Over Antibiotic Resistance
Health experts also expressed concern after laboratory testing showed that all confirmed patient samples demonstrated predicted resistance to the antibiotic fosfomycin.
Several samples were additionally found to be resistant to other antibiotics, including chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline.
The CDC stated that the resistance patterns are being closely monitored through the country’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System.
Safety Advice for Poultry Owners
Public health officials warned that backyard poultry, including chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella bacteria even when the birds appear healthy.
The CDC advised poultry owners to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling birds or touching items within poultry living areas.
Children under five years old, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are considered to be at greater risk of severe infection.
Authorities also advised against bringing poultry inside homes and warned against kissing birds or touching the face after handling them.
Health officials further recommended prompt cleaning and refrigeration of eggs, while equipment used in poultry areas should be cleaned outdoors rather than indoors.
The CDC and state health agencies said they are continuing investigations while working with hatcheries and poultry retailers to strengthen disease prevention measures and improve public awareness about Salmonella risks associated with backyard birds.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps after contact with poultry have been advised to seek medical attention immediately.