2017 Salmonella Infections Linked to Live Poultry in Backyard Flocks, 2017 (Final Update)

Posted October 19, 2017 11:00 AM ET

These outbreak investigations are over. However, people can still get a Salmonella infection from live poultry, including those in backyard flocks. Read more information about Salmonella from live poultry and how people can reduce the chance they or their children will get an infection.

Outbreak Summary

1120
Cases

48
States

249
Hospitalizations

1
Death

  • This year saw the largest number of illnesses linked to contact with backyard poultry ever recorded by CDC. Contact with live poultry or their environment can make people sick with Salmonella infections. Live poultry such as chickens and ducks can be carrying Salmonella bacteria but appear healthy and clean, with no sign of illness.
    • As raising backyard flocks becomes more popular, more people are having contact with chickens and ducks – and may not know about the risk of Salmonella infection.
  • These outbreaks are a reminder to follow steps to keep your family healthy while enjoying your backyard flock.
    • Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where the birds live and roam.
    • Adults should supervise handwashing for children.
    • Do not let live poultry inside the house.
    • Do not let children younger than 5 years handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry without adult supervision.
  • In 2017, CDC and multiple states investigated 10 separate multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections in people who had contact with live poultry in backyard flocks.
    • The outbreak strains of Salmonella infected a reported 1120 people in 48 states and the District of Columbia
    • Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 4, 2017 to September 22, 2017.
    • 249 ill people were hospitalized. One death was reported from North Carolina.
  • Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory findings linked the 10 outbreaks to contact with live poultry, such as chicks and ducklings, from multiple hatcheries.
    • In interviews, 542 (70%) of 774 ill people reported contact with live poultry in the week before illness started.
  • The outbreaks were caused by Salmonella bacteria with several DNA fingerprints : Salmonella Braenderup, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Hadar, Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i-, Salmonella Indiana, Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Litchfield, Salmonella Mbandaka, Salmonella Muenchen, and Salmonella Typhimurium.

Previous Outbreak Advisories

Tips to Stay Healthy with a Backyard Flock
  • Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry.
  • Do not let children younger than 5 years handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry without adult supervision.

Read more about ways to stay healthy with backyard flocks. Read live poultry Q&A.