Beware those backyard chickens — and ducks!

The majority of us pass the warm months blissfully unaware that every summer brings an outbreak of Salmonella infections around the US. These infections are routinely linked to backyard poultry. People who purchased new chicks or ducklings this spring take note.

This year ‘s Salmonella outbreak is starting much earlier than usual, and it is associated rather unusually with backyard ducks in addition to the usual suspects, chickens. Nationwide, as of May 4, 2026, 184 people were reported to be infected with Salmonella, of whom over 25% were children under five years of age. Out of the 184 victims, 53 were hospitaized in severe condition, and one died. The strain of Salmonella known as S. Saintpaul accounted for 72% of total infections. Of those people, 78% had been in contact with chickens and 54% had been in contact with ducks. Two new strains of Salmonella — S. Enteridisand and S. Mbandka — were also identified.

In Vermont, as of Tuesday May 19, 2026, seven people were confirmed to be sick with a Salmonella infection. And, in reality, the number is likely far higher. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that only one in every 30 Salmonella infections gets reported. Most people with food poisoning never go to a doctor, and even fewer submit a sample for laboratory analysis.

What's more, the most prevalent strain of the bacterium in 2026, Salmonella Saintpaul, is predicted to be resistant to the antibiotic fosfomycin based on examination of its DNA. While this antibiotic is not the routine first-line therapy for gastroenteritis, physicians are turning to it in cases of complicated multi-drug-resistant Salmonella infections.

Follow-up questioning of infected individuals noted that most had obtained poultry earlier in 2026, often from agricultural retail stores. This enabled health officials to trace the infectious outbreak to five hatcheries. The CDC is currently working to notify the hatcheries and their distribution chains for chicks and ducklings.   

Poultry can carry Salmonella infections without displaying overt symptoms. In fact, the bacterium is very common in chickens, ducks, and other domesticated fowl even if they look clean and healthy. It can be present on their bodies as well as in their droppings. When poultry do get sick from Salmonella, they exhibit ruffled feathers, lethargy and watery diarrhea. 

Young children, people over 65, and people with weak immune systems or chronic health issues are more susceptible to infection. Children younger than five years do not have fully developed immune systems and the CDC advises that they should not handle chicks or ducklings. Likewise, chicks or ducklings should never be given to children as gifts or be kept in schools or childcare centers. Poultry can transmit Campylobacter and E. coli, both manifesting commonly as diarrhea and "food poisoning" symptoms, in addition to Salmonella.

Poultry droppings are a source of infection, as are feeders and water containers, bedding, cages, and footwear worn in the poultry yard. It is good practice to keep these outside only, clean them often, and exclude children from touching.

Salmonella also affects wild birds with deadly consequences. It is transmitted via droppings and saliva when birds congregate in large numbers, such as at bird feeders that encourage the unnatural flocking of diverse bird species. If you find a bird near the feeder that seems easily approached, fluffed-up, and slow-moving, it is probably close to death from Salmonella. All feeders should be removed immediately and not replaced unless they have been sanitized and can continue to be sanitized on a daily basis. The ground below the feeder should be kept clean by raking and shoveling up droppings and seed husks. It is better still to stop feeding altogether.

And now some unfortunate news — eggs from poultry carrying Salmonella can be infected both outside AND inside. That's because the egg can incorporate the bacteria as it is being formed inside the bird's body. While this problem is much reduced compared to the 1980s and 1990s, it can still happen. To err on the side of safety, eggs should be cooked until both the yolk and white are firm. Fresh eggs should not be washed, as this removes their natural protective cuticle, and bacteria may enter through the pores in the shell. Dirty eggs should be wiped with a dry cloth or fine sandpaper right before they are used.

In short, chickens and ducks can be a delightful addition to the backyard, but don't get overly chummy. Resist the temptation to cuddle and kiss your feathered friends.