CDC warns of drug-resistant salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry
Source: abcnews
Federal health officials are investigating an outbreak of salmonella poisoning linked to backyard poultry that has sickened at least 34 people since February
By JONEL ALECCIA AP health writer April 27, 2026, 1:39 PM
At least 34 people in 13 states have been sickened with salmonella poisoning traced to contact with backyard poultry, including some with infections resistant to common antibiotics, federal health officials said.
Backyard poultry include birds like chicken, ducks, geese, guinea fowl and turkeys. The animals can carry germs, including salmonella, that make people sick.
Illnesses were reported from Feb. 26 to March 31 and include 13 people who were hospitalized, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sick people range in age from 1 to 78, but more than 40% are children younger than 5, the CDC said last week.
Sick people have been reported in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and West Virginia. But more illnesses in more states could be possible, CDC officials added.
Of sick people interviewed, nearly 80% reported contact with backyard poultry..........................
Read more: https://abcnews.com/Health/wireStory/cdc-warns-drug-resistant-salmonella-infections-linked-backyard-132427798
I am a bit surprised that the CDC has enough staff to monitor this issue. But glad they are.
CDC warns of drug-resistant salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry
— (@oceancalm.bsky.social) 2026-04-27T20:09:40.063Z
Federal health officials are investigating an outbreak of salmonella poisoning linked to backyard poultry that has sickened at least 34 people since February
abcnews.com/Health/wireS...
oldsoldierfadingfast
(335 posts)Just last week, a friend brought me a big, fat hen that had been killed and cleaned the day before. It is in my freezer.
She and her neighbor share a free-range chicken lot; they had killed and prepped a dozen hens.
Now, the question is; do I, or do I not eat eat her?
Polybius
(22,031 posts)No bacteria can survive the extreme temperature changes of going from being frozen to cooked.
oldsoldierfadingfast
(335 posts)a relief to know!
BlueSpot
(1,314 posts)I feel your discomfort.
If you cook it to an internal temp of 165 F for 10 minutes, it should kill off any salmonella. Be careful not to cross-contaminate (wash utensils, hands and anything else that comes in contact with the raw chicken in hot soapy water before allowing it to touch anything else).
Thank you to my high school Home Economics teacher.
oldsoldierfadingfast
(335 posts)like I treat my Thanksgiving turkey; boil her until she is done and juicy - then put her under the broiler, turning often until she is browned.
Then, can the broth she made for future use. Worked for my Grandma and Mother!
BettyBlueDot
(24 posts)As usual, only the best people, only the best advice. What does brain worm think?
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-admin-says-americans-should-farm-chickens-combat-egg-prices-2039178
pecosbob
(8,452 posts)If the pathogens are present in privately raised poultry, then it's present in commercially-raised poultry. CDC downplaying a serious threat to public safety once again.
Polybius
(22,031 posts)oldsoldierfadingfast
(335 posts)I'll have to dig out my old medical books. Trust those more than I do the internet! LOL
Bayard
(30,045 posts)And then washing my hands after I wash the eggs. Mr. Bayard--not so much.