WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning the public about drug-resistant salmonella infections after at least 34 people in 13 states were infected after being in contact with backyard poultry, according to federal health officials.
Backyard poultry includes birds like chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl and turkeys.
Illnesses were reported in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and West Virginia, the CDC reported. From Feb. 26 to March 31, at least 13 people were hospitalized.
Nearly 80% of people interviewed by the CDC reported contact with backyard poultry, and of the people who owned them, more than 90% had obtained animals since January. The poultry was reportedly from different places, including agricultural retail stores.
Bacteria from samples taken from 34 people showed resistance to at least one drug used to treat salmonella infections. Of those, some also showed they might be resistant to four other common antibiotics. Infections that are unable to be treated with antibiotics can result in serious illness or death.
The CDC has investigated multiple salmonella outbreaks involving backyard poultry in recent years. In 2025, an outbreak sickened more than 500 people in 48 states, with 125 people hospitalized and two deaths.
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs. The best way to prevent illness is to wash hands after handling poultry, their food or items in their environment. People should avoid kissing or snuggling with backyard birds, the CDC says.
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Editor’s note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.
