CDC Reports 184 Salmonella Cases Linked to Backyard Poultry Across 31 States

Public health officials in several states are investigating three multistate outbreaks of Salmonella illnesses linked to contact with backyard poultry. Over a quarter of the sick people are children under 5 years old. The largest outbreak has an unusually high number of people reporting contact with ducks.

The CDC reported 184 total cases as of May 14, 2026, with 150 of those cases newly added to the investigation. Fifty-three people have been hospitalized, including 40 new hospitalizations, and one death has been recorded. The outbreaks have reached 31 states, with 18 states newly affected.

Backyard poultry such as chickens and ducks can carry Salmonella germs even when the birds appear healthy. These germs spread to surfaces in areas where the poultry live and roam. People become ill after touching the birds, their eggs, or contaminated surfaces and then touching their mouth or food.

The CDC advises washing hands with soap and water immediately after contact with backyard poultry, eggs, or their living areas. Hand sanitizer should be used when soap and water are unavailable. Children under 5 years old should not handle chicks, ducklings, or other backyard poultry.

People who keep backyard flocks should avoid kissing or snuggling the birds and should not eat or drink near them. Eggs should be collected frequently, cracked eggs discarded, and eggs refrigerated. Eggs should be cooked until both yolk and white are firm.

Stores selling backyard poultry should source birds from hatcheries following USDA best management practices. Display areas should be cleaned and sanitized between shipments. Handwashing stations or sanitizers should be placed near display areas, and poultry should be kept out of reach of children. S.

Salmonella Monitored Program. They should also provide health information to buyers before purchase.