Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Poultry: 104 Illnesses and 1 Death Reported
Health officials have issued a warning as a Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry expands, affecting at least 104 people across multiple states and resulting in one reported death. The outbreak highlights the potential health risks of handling chickens, ducks, and other poultry, even in home settings.Key Details of the Outbreak Cases Reported: 104 confirmed illnesses, with many more likely unreported.
Hospitalisations: A significant number of cases have required medical care.
Fatalities: One death has been linked to the outbreak.
Source: Contact with backyard poultry, including chicks and ducklings.
How Does Salmonella Spread? Salmonella bacteria can be found in poultry droppings and on their feathers, feet, and beaks—even if the birds appear healthy. Infection can occur when people:
Touch live poultry and then their mouth or food.
Handle eggs or coops without proper hygiene.
Allow children to play with birds unsupervised.
Symptoms to Watch For Diarrhoea
Fever
Stomach cramps
Nausea or vomiting Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last up to a week. Severe cases may require antibiotics or hospitalisation.
Safety Tips for Backyard Poultry Owners Wash Hands Thoroughly after handling birds or their enclosures.
Supervise Children around poultry—they are more vulnerable to infection.
Avoid Kissing or Snuggling chickens and ducks.
Keep Coops Clean and disinfect equipment regularly.
Store Eggs Properly and cook them fully to kill bacteria.
Official Advice The CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) and UK Health Security Agency advise extra caution, especially as backyard poultry-keeping grows in popularity. Those experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
Conclusion While raising backyard poultry can be rewarding, it’s crucial to follow hygiene practices to prevent Salmonella infections. With cases rising, public health agencies urge awareness to curb further spread.
