A salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry flocks has grown into the largest such outbreak reported in the United States in 2026.
Food Safety News stated that over 1,000 illnesses have been reported across 46 states and Puerto Rico. Health officials also said that two deaths have been linked to the outbreak.
Here’s what to know
According to Food Safety News, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now recorded 1,061 illnesses associated with the raising of backyard chickens and ducks. That is 247 more cases since the agency’s July 27 update.
Children younger than five make up one-quarter of these patients.
All of the sickened people told officials that they had been in contact with backyard chickens and/or ducks. The two deaths occurred in Washington and Georgia, per Food Safety News.
The last time a backyard poultry outbreak was this bad was in 2019. The CDC reported two deaths amid 1,134 cases and hundreds of hospitalizations.
During the 2019 outbreak, the CDC interviewed hundreds of people and found that nearly two-thirds of them had been in close contact with ducks, chickens, or both. Children were also similarly vulnerable since 21% of sickened people were less than five years old.
As for this current outbreak, there have not been any recalls involving the live birds. Food Safety News doesn’t anticipate a recall either because the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture don’t regulate backyard flocks. While health officials have linked the outbreak to seven hatcheries, investigators have not named any companies specifically either.
Where can I learn more?
The poultry-linked outbreak now stretches across most of the country.
• While some older outbreaks have ended, the FDA is still tracking at least four salmonella outbreaks.
• Scientists say hotter weather may play a significant role in salmonella spreading more widely.
Rising global temperatures are affecting food production and supply everywhere, so it isn’t surprising to see heat’s effects rippling out even more. One of the best things you can do individually is stay up to date on what outbreaks are happening to keep yourself and others safer.
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