Seven Salmonella outbreaks that caused 324 people across the United States to become ill have been traced to live poultry in backyard flocks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded.
According to the CDC, Salmonella-related illnesses occurred between January 4 and May 11, in seven different outbreaks. Of the 324 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella, 66 were hospitalized and one died, although CDC stated that Salmonella infection was not considered to be a contributing factor in that person's death.
Laboratory and epidemiological findings showed that all seven outbreaks were liked to live poultry, such as chicks and ducklings from multiple hatcheries. People who had become ill reported purchasing live baby poultry from various suppliers to produce eggs, learn about agriculture, have as a hobby,enjoy for fun, keep as pets, or to give as Easter gifts. Some of the places ill people reported contact with live poultry include at their home, someone else’s home, work, or school settings.
The majority of the outbreaks occurred in states East of the Mississippi River, a total of 35 states from coast to coast reported cases. Michigan and New York had the most confirmed Salmonella cases, with each reporting 34 cases. There were also 33 cases reported in Ohio.
