Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Linked to Backyard Poultry

United States

Update August 27th, 2026:
Since the previous update on July 27, 2026, 247 additional illnesses have been reported, bringing the total to 1,061 cases across 46 states and Puerto Rico. This includes 234 hospitalizations and 2 deaths, with one death reported in Georgia and one in Washington. The illnesses were caused by seven Salmonella strains, including a newly identified Salmonella Altona outbreak strain.

Among the 1,059 patients with available age information, 23% were children under 5 years old. Of 738 people interviewed about animal contact, 75% reported contact with backyard poultry.

The investigation has identified links between the outbreak strains and 7 hatcheries. Among 324 people who reported owning backyard poultry, 267 (82%) obtained their birds since January 1, 2026. Investigators continue to collect information on where the poultry were obtained and which hatcheries supplied birds to retail stores.

Laboratory testing from backyard poultry and live-poultry shipping boxes collected in Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, and Tennessee found Salmonella Enteritidis, Mbandaka, Kedougou, and Saintpaul strains that matched those found in sick people.

New whole genome sequencing analysis also found that some of the Salmonella strains involved in the outbreaks have predicted resistance to commonly recommended antibiotics, including ampicillin, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin. Healthcare providers are advised to use antimicrobial susceptibility testing when possible to guide treatment of severe or complicated infections.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional hatcheries may be identified.

Source: CDC


Update June 17th, 2026:
The CDC has identified eight multistate Salmonella outbreaks linked to contact with backyard poultry. Since the previous update, 329 additional illnesses, 81 additional hospitalizations, and 12 additional affected states or territories have been reported.

As of June 17, 2026, a total of 513 cases have been reported across 42 states and one U.S. territory, resulting in 134 hospitalizations and one death.

Health officials continue to note that the largest outbreak involves an unusually high number of people reporting contact with ducks. Approximately 25% of illnesses have occurred in children under 5 years of age.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Source: CDC


Update May 14th, 2026:
The CDC reported 150 new illnesses since the previous update, bringing the total to 184 cases across 31 states linked to three Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry, including Salmonella Saintpaul, Enteritidis, and Mbandaka. A total of 53 people have been hospitalized, and one death has been reported in Washington.

Health officials stated that 78% of interviewed patients reported contact with backyard poultry. Investigators also noted an unusually high number of people in the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak reported contact with ducks, particularly Pekin ducks.

Laboratory testing confirmed outbreak strains in samples collected from backyard poultry and shipping materials in Ohio. The outbreak strains have now been linked to five hatcheries, and investigations into additional suppliers are ongoing.

Source: CDC


April 26th, 2026:
Public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul infections linked to backyard poultry. As of April 13, 2026, 34 people in 13 states (WI, MI, IN, KY, OH, IL, TN, MS, FL, WV, MD, DE, and ME) have become ill, with 13 hospitalized.

The illnesses occurred between February 26 and March 31, 2026. Most patients reported contact with backyard poultry, and many had acquired birds since January 1, 2026, from various sources, including agricultural retail stores.

The CDC and state health officials are working to identify the outbreak’s source.

The outbreak was detected through the PulseNet system, which used whole genome sequencing to find genetically similar Salmonella strains among patients. Samples from backyard poultry in Ohio matched the outbreak strain, confirming the link.

Learn more about Salmonella: stopfoodborneillness.org/bacteria/salmonella/

Source: www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/saintpaul-04-26/investigation.html
Source 2: www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/saintpaul-04-26/index.html