Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Poultry Flocks Has Ended
The CDC has declared the end of a nationwide Salmonella outbreak tied to contact with backyard poultry.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
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Health officials have officially declared the end of a 2026 Salmonella outbreak that sickened 1,253 people across 46 states and Puerto Rico. This event, which required hospitalization for one-third of patients, marks the second-largest backyard poultry-related outbreak on record.
Why it matters
Understanding the risks associated with backyard poultry is essential for preventing future infections, especially for high-risk groups like young children. The outbreak underscores the critical importance of hygiene when handling birds to prevent the transmission of bacteria.
Active surveillance confirmed 1,253 human infections caused by seven specific Salmonella strains linked to birds from eight identified hatcheries. Because the CDC estimates 29 undetected cases for every confirmed patient, the actual burden of this outbreak is significantly higher.
The players
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The national public health agency responsible for monitoring infectious diseases and conducting outbreak investigations.
The details
Investigators used whole genome sequencing to match Salmonella strains found in humans with those collected from backyard poultry and shipping boxes. Patients reported purchasing these birds from a variety of sources, including local farms, retail stores, and hatcheries. The bacteria typically spread to humans through direct contact with birds or their environment, despite the birds appearing healthy and clean.
Timeline
February 26, 2026: Earliest reported illness onset.
April 13, 2026: CDC first reported the outbreak.
2026: The duration of the outbreak.
Health Landscape
This event ranks as the second-largest Salmonella outbreak attributed to backyard poultry in CDC records. It highlights the persistent challenge of managing zoonotic disease transmission in the growing trend of home-based poultry keeping.
If you keep backyard birds, it is critical to wash your hands immediately after handling them or their housing, especially if children under age 5 are present. Discuss any concerns about persistent gastrointestinal symptoms with your primary care physician to rule out potential bacterial exposure.
The takeaway
The end of this outbreak serves as a reminder that even healthy-looking backyard birds can carry pathogens like Salmonella. Practice thorough hygiene after contact with poultry and consult your physician if you suspect an illness after handling birds.
Further reading
For more on maintaining safety while sourcing food, visit Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Food Safety News.
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