Backyard Poultry-Linked Salmonella Cases Rise Further in US

US - A total of 611 people have been infected with Salmonella across 45 states, according to the US's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
calendar icon 20 July 2016
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The outbreaks are linked to backyard poultry flocks, and one more outbreak has been reported since the previous update, bringing the total to eight outbreaks under investigation.

Among 496 ill people with available information, 138 (28 per cent) reported being hospitalised, and one death was reported. Salmonella was not considered to be a cause of death.

Reminding poultry owners of the dangers of Salmonella, CDC said: "Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory findings have linked the eight outbreaks to contact with live poultry such as chicks and ducklings sourced from multiple hatcheries.

"Regardless of where they were purchased, all live poultry can carry Salmonella bacteria, even if they look healthy and clean."

CDC said backyard flock owners should always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water straight away after touching live poultry or anything in the area where the birds live and roam, they should not let live poultry inside the house, and they should supervise children when handling poultry.

"These outbreaks are expected to continue for the next several months since flock owners might be unaware of the risk of Salmonella infection from live poultry or participate in risky behaviours that can result in infection," the agency added.

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