Three separate, multi-state outbreaks of salmonella linked to backyard poultry flocks have led to a surge in the number of people sickening the disease in recent months.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 150 new cases since April 23, but the actual number of sick people is likely higher. There are three related strains of Salmonella: Salmonella Saintpaul, Salmonella Mbandaka, and Salmonella Enteritidis.
In Washington state, at least 54 people have been hospitalized and one person has died. More than a quarter of those sick in this outbreak are children under 5 years old, with an average age of 31.
The patients appear to be linked to five hatcheries that supply birds to retailers.
“It’s very common to have multiple salmonella outbreaks in backyard flocks at the same time,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports.
“Multiple strains can exist in the intestines of chickens, which can contaminate a store where all chicks are sold and transmit the disease to other chicks in the store.”
The outbreak caused by Salmonella Saintpaul is the largest, involving 133 patients. The CDC said patients infected with this variant “more often reported contact with ducklings or ducks, especially Peking ducks, compared to other outbreaks where most patients reported contact with chicks or chickens.”
Salmonella infections associated with backyard poultry are very common. One outbreak that lasted in Late December 2024 – Early September 2025 It has been linked to multiple variants that have infected at least 559 people, two of whom have died.
Public health officials do not recommend keeping backyard flocks, but if consumers insist on keeping them, precautions should be taken to prevent infection. Birds infected with salmonella do not look or act sick.
To prevent illness, people with backyard livestock should collect eggs frequently, cook them until the yolks and whites are firm, and wash their hands after handling birds or eggs. People should not hug or kiss poultry. Children should be supervised to ensure they wash their hands appropriately while exposed to birds and while following birds.
About salmonella infection
Anyone can get sick from a salmonella infection. Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness because their immune systems are weaker.
Anyone who has been exposed to birds and develops symptoms of salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Diagnosing salmonellosis requires special testing, so sick people should tell their doctor about possible exposure to salmonella. Salmonella infection symptoms can be similar to other illnesses and often lead to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise healthy adults usually become sick for 4 to 7 days. However, in some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization may be necessary.
People with weakened immune systems, such as older adults, children, pregnant women, and cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people become infected without feeling sick or showing any symptoms. However, they can still spread the infection to other people.
