New Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Poultry

New York (AP) — Health officials reported on Monday that a salmonella outbreak related to backyard poultry has affected at least seven individuals across six states.

Missouri noted two cases, while Florida, Illinois, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin each reported one case, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The illnesses occurred in February and March of this year, and all patients were found to have the same strain of salmonella, a type that has previously been associated with hatcheries. An investigation is ongoing, health authorities indicated.

Salmonella bacteria lead to about 1.35 million infections annually in the U.S. Recent outbreaks have been linked to various sources, including cucumbers, eggs, unpasteurized milk, fresh basil, geckos, and pet bearded dragons.

However, a major concern is that chickens and other types of backyard poultry can carry salmonella even if they appear to be healthy. Last year’s poultry-related outbreak resulted in 470 cases across 48 states, including one reported death.