The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning backyard poultry farmers that their chickens may be linked to a growing salmonella outbreak.
The notice of investigation said163 people are confirmed to have been sickened across 43 states. While none have died, a third of those sickened were children under 5 years of age. The CDC warns that there are likely many more cases as few people are tested for salmonella, a bacterial infection that in most people resolves on its own in a week or less after causing diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. People younger than 5 or older than 65 are likelier to experience more severe illness and are at increased risk of hospitalization. Safety tips shared by the public health agency include having hand sanitizer near your coop and frequently washing hands after touching poultry.
"Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick."