Backyard flocks of chickens, ducks, and other poultry have grown in popularity across the United States over the past decade, embraced as a source of fresh eggs and a connection to sustainable living. But a surge in Salmonella illnesses is reminding federal health officials — and the CDC is reminding families — that these birds carry a real and serious health risk, particularly for young children.
As of June 8, 2026, the CDC is tracking 513 people sick across 42 states and a U.S. territory in multistate Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry. Fifty-three people have been hospitalized. One person — from Washington state — has died.
More than a quarter of those sickened are children under five years old.
Why This Matters
Children under five are at the center of this outbreak for a simple reason: they are more likely to touch backyard birds, less likely to wash their hands thoroughly afterward, and more susceptible to severe Salmonella infection than healthy adults.
"Children younger than 5 years old shouldn't handle the birds (including chicks and ducklings) or anything in the area where the birds live and roam," the CDC stated in its outbreak announcement. "They are more likely to get sick from Salmonella."
Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella even when they appear perfectly healthy and clean. The bacteria live in their intestines and shed into their droppings, contaminating feathers, coop bedding, waterers, feeders, and any surface birds walk across.
What We Know So Far
The CDC is investigating five Salmonella strains linked to backyard poultry in 2026: Enteritidis, Indiana, Infantis, Mbandaka, and Saintpaul. Saintpaul is the largest outbreak strain, with 133 confirmed patients. The largest outbreak has an unusually high number of patients reporting contact with ducks — specifically Pekin ducks.
Of 157 patients with Saintpaul who specified poultry species, 81 percent reported contact with chicks or chickens, and 50 percent reported ducklings or ducks. Seven hatcheries have been linked to the outbreak strains, with most birds obtained from agricultural retail stores.
According to the updated CDC investigation notice, 84 percent of those who owned backyard poultry purchased or obtained their birds since January 1, 2026 — indicating this is an early-season outbreak tied to the annual spring flock-purchasing cycle.
Some of the initial outbreak strains showed resistance to the antibiotic fosfomycin, and potential resistance to other commonly used antibiotics was detected in several samples — complicating treatment for severe cases.
Where the Risk Is Highest
Cases began in February in the Midwest, with Michigan (six cases), Ohio, and Wisconsin each reporting five early cases. The outbreak has since spread to 42 states and a U.S. territory, making this a nationwide consumer health alert.
Families who recently purchased chicks, ducklings, or other young poultry from feed stores, farm supply retailers, or online hatcheries in the first half of 2026 are at the center of the outbreak. The spring chick season — when agricultural retailers offer newly hatched birds — is the highest-risk window, and that window is ongoing.
What Doctors and Experts Say
The CDC has been clear that the risk applies to any backyard poultry, regardless of how healthy the birds look or how well-maintained the coop is. "Backyard poultry, like chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean," the CDC's outbreak guidance states.
Handwashing is the single most important prevention step — immediately after any contact with birds, their eggs, their supplies, or their environment. The CDC advises that backyard birds and all their supplies should remain entirely outside the house. Even brief indoor contact — bringing birds inside for warmth, or bringing coop equipment into a kitchen — significantly increases risk.
What the Evidence Shows — and What It Does Not
The epidemiological and laboratory evidence linking these Salmonella strains to backyard poultry from specific hatcheries is well established. Investigators have confirmed the outbreak strains in seven hatcheries. However, the true number of sick people is likely higher than 513, according to the CDC, because many people recover without medical care and are never tested.
There is also no current recall of backyard poultry or notification to the public to stop purchasing birds. The CDC's guidance focuses on risk reduction behaviors rather than a product-specific recall — meaning the responsibility for prevention falls directly on individual families.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk?
- Children under five, who are more likely to have close contact with birds and less likely to maintain consistent handwashing
- Older adults 65 and above, whose immune systems may not respond as robustly to Salmonella
- Pregnant women, who face heightened risk of severe illness from Salmonella
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Anyone who lets birds into the home or kitchen
Symptoms and Warning Signs to Watch For
Salmonella infection typically causes:
- Diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea in some cases
- Fever
- Stomach cramps and nausea
- Vomiting
Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after exposure and last four to seven days. Most healthy adults recover without medical treatment. However, severe illness requiring hospitalization is significantly more likely in children under five, adults 65 and older, and immunocompromised individuals.
Seek medical care if diarrhea is severe, blood is present in stool, fever exceeds 102°F, significant dehydration occurs, or symptoms last more than one week. Severe Salmonella can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other organs, which is a medical emergency.
What You Can Do Now
- Do not allow children under five to handle backyard poultry, chicks, ducklings, or any items from the poultry area — including egg cartons, feeders, or waterers.
- Always wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after touching birds, their eggs, or anything in their environment. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
- Do not let birds enter your home, especially areas where food is prepared, stored, or eaten.
- Keep all poultry supplies — boots, feeders, equipment — outside the house. Clean them outdoors only.
- Do not kiss birds or hold them close to your face. Do not eat or drink in the area where birds live.
- Collect eggs frequently and discard cracked eggs. Wash hands after handling eggs.
- If a child has handled backyard poultry and develops diarrhea with fever, contact your pediatrician.
Cost and Access: What Patients Should Know
A confirmed Salmonella diagnosis requires a stool or fluid laboratory test ordered by a health care provider. Most health insurance plans cover diagnostic testing for acute illness. Patients without insurance can seek evaluation at federally qualified health centers or urgent care clinics.
If Salmonella is confirmed in a child under five or a high-risk individual, a physician may recommend antibiotics for severe cases. The antibiotic resistance detected in some of the 2026 outbreak strains means that treatment choices may require laboratory sensitivity testing first.
What Happens Next
The CDC is continuing to track new cases and investigate the hatchery links. Case counts are being updated regularly. The spring poultry season is ongoing, meaning new exposure events are continuing to occur. MedicalDaily will update this story as the CDC releases additional investigation findings.
The Bottom Line
More than 500 people are sick across 42 states in 2026 Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry, and more than a quarter of those ill are children under five. The risk is real, the season is ongoing, and the most effective protections are simple: keep young children away from birds and their environment, and wash hands every single time. For families with backyard flocks, these precautions are not optional — they are essential.
References
- CDC — Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry (June 2026 Investigation)
- CDC — Investigation Update: Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry, April 2026
- CDC Newsroom — Salmonella Outbreak in 13 States Linked to Backyard Poultry (Initial Announcement)
- CDC Newsroom — Update: 150 More People Sickened in Backyard Poultry Salmonella Outbreaks
- CIDRAP — CDC Confirms Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Poultry
