A salmonella outbreak has sickened about 34 people in 13 U.S. states after they came into contact with domestic poultry, including cases of strains resistant to common antibiotics, according to health officials.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the infections occurred between February 26 and March 31, and included 13 cases requiring hospitalization. The ages of those infected ranged from one to 78 years, with children under five years old accounting for more than 40% of the cases.
The data showed that approximately 80% of those interviewed had handled domestic poultry, such as chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and guinea fowl, which can carry salmonella bacteria. More than 90% of the infected poultry owners indicated they had obtained their poultry since January, often from farm supply stores, and health authorities are still investigating the sources.
Cases have been reported in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and West Virginia, with the possibility of additional infections in other states.
Laboratory tests revealed that samples taken from34 patients contained strains that may be resistant to one or more antibiotics commonly used to treat salmonella, and some showed potential resistance to multiple drugs. Health experts warn that antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to serious complications and, in some cases, death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that backyard poultry has been the source of several similar outbreaks in recent years, including a 2025 outbreak that sickened more than 500 people in 48 states, hospitalized 125, and killed two.
Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable. Health authorities recommend washing hands thoroughly after handling poultry, their environment, or their food, and avoiding kissing or directly touching birds to reduce the risk of infection.
