Source: MEATINGPLACE, 10/10/16

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it concluded its investigation into eight separate multistate outbreaks of salmonella infections tied to backyard poultry flocks and issued a final update on its findings.

The past year saw the largest number of illnesses linked to contact with backyard poultry ever recorded, with 895 people sickened in 48 states. In the eight outbreaks between Jan. 4 and Sept. 10, 209 people were hospitalized, and three deaths were reported. Twenty-eight percent of the ill people were children five years old or younger.

Epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory findings linked the eight outbreaks to contact with live poultry such as chicks and ducklings sourced from multiple hatcheries.

Ill people reported purchasing live baby poultry from several suppliers in multiple states, including feed stores, Internet sites, hatcheries and friends. Ill people reported purchasing live poultry to produce eggs, learn about agriculture, have as a hobby, keep as pets, or to give as Easter gifts. Some of the places ill people reported contact with the poultry included their home, someone else’s home, work or school settings.

Although the outbreaks are over, people can still get salmonella from live poultry, including those in backyard flocks, the CDC said.

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