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Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Infections Linked to Live Poultry (Final Update)

Posted November 8, 2013 2:30 PM ET

This outbreak appears to be over. However, live poultry, including those kept in backyard flocks, are an important cause of human Salmonella infections in the United States. More information about Salmonella from live poultry and the steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection is available.

Highlights

  • Read the Advice to Consumers »
  • A total of 158 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Lille, Salmonella Newport, or Salmonella Mbandaka were reported from 30 states.
    • Among 103 ill persons for whom information was available, 29 (28%) were hospitalized.
    • 41% of ill persons were children 10 years of age or younger.
    • 86% of ill people reported contact with live poultry in the week before their illness began.
  • Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback findings linked this outbreak of human Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Lille, Salmonella Newport, and Salmonella Mbandaka infections to contact with chicks, ducklings, and other live baby poultry sourced from Mt. Healthy Hatcheries in Ohio.
    • 95% of ill persons with available purchase information reported buying chicks and ducklings that were sourced from a single mail-order hatchery in Ohio, Mt. Healthy Hatcheries.
  • Mail-order hatcheries, agricultural feed stores, and others that sell or display chicks, ducklings, and other live poultry should continue to provide health-related information to owners and potential purchasers of these birds prior to the point of purchase. This should include information about the risk of acquiring a Salmonella infection from contact with live poultry.
  • This outbreak appears to be over. However, live poultry, including those kept in backyard flocks, are an important cause of human Salmonella infections in the United States.
    • Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching any live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. Do not let live poultry inside the house.
    • These recommendations are important and apply to all live poultry regardless of the age of the birds or where they were purchased.
    • More information about Salmonella from live poultry and the simple steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection is available.

Outbreak Summary