Hundreds of other patients reported in salmonella outbreaks related to backyard poultry

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So far, 279 cases of illness have been reported in outbreaks and 40 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Most infected people reported having been in contact with chicks or ducklings from hatcheries, agriculture stores and websites. About one-third of those affected were children under the age of five, a group that is particularly vulnerable to complications that may require hospitalization.
This is the 12th time since 2011 that the CDC has announced an outbreak of salmonella linked to live poultry. More than 70 such outbreaks have been reported since 2000, according to the agency.

Although most people recover without treatment after four to seven days, the bacterial infection can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Severe diarrhea may require hospitalization.

There are also signs that some, but not all, of the salmonella infections in these outbreaks are resistant to the usual antibiotics, which may make them more difficult to treat.

The exact sources of outbreaks are unclear, but the CDC believes that several hatcheries are to blame.

Even the healthiest chickens and ducks can carry the bacteria, which means that everyone must take precautions when interacting with them: always wash your hands thoroughly after touching poultry or whatever In their environment, do not let backyard poultry enter the house and set aside a pair of shoes to wear while taking care of the birds (and leave them outside).

Birds can carry bacteria on their feathers, feet and excrement. It is difficult to identify infected animals. "A lot of people realize that a bird with salmonella will look sick, but that's really not the case," Dr. Megin Nichols, a veterinarian at CNN, told CNN. CDC, after an earlier epidemic.

The CDC recommends that people under 5, those 65 years of age and older, and those with weakened immune systems, avoid touching chicks, ducklings, or other poultry.

And although chickens may be cute – especially when they are young – the CDC warns against approaching too closely. "Do not kiss the backyard poultry," said the agency in a statement, "nor cuddle them, then touch your face or your mouth."

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