Backyard Poultry and Salmonella

Contact with backyard poultry (such as chickens, ducks, geese, etc.) is making some people sick. Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean. As of May 28th, 2024, it has been reported that 19 people in Missouri have gotten sick. The true number of people sick in an outbreak is likely much higher than reported.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella?

Most people have:

  • Diarrhea

  • Fever

  • Stomach cramps

These symptoms normally start 8 hours to 3 days after being exposed. Some people have no symptoms.

People who have Salmonella often think they have the stomach flu.

How to stay safe from Salmonella:

Wash your hands and handle birds safely

Always wash your hands with soap and water right after touching backyard poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam (including eggs).

Keep your birds outside

Do not let backyard poultry inside the house, especially in kitchens. Do not bring chicks, ducklings, and other backyard poultry to schools, childcare centers, or nursing homes.

Call your doctor if you get sick

If you get sick with Salmonella symptoms and you have backyard poultry, you should call your doctor right away.

Learn more about the current salmonella outbreak

Sarah Valenza