The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared its 2026 backyard poultry Salmonella outbreaks over, with a final toll of 1,253 illnesses, 256 hospitalizations, and two deaths in 46 states and Puerto Rico. One death was reported in Georgia and one in Washington, according to the CDC's final investigation notice, posted Sept. 24.
The outbreaks rank as the second-largest backyard poultry Salmonella outbreak the CDC has recorded, behind only 2020, when 1,722 people were sickened, Food Safety News reported. CDC data show that children under 5 made up 22% of cases.
