Officials Probe 34 Cases in Drug Resistant Salmonella Outbreak
Public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate drug resistant salmonella outbreak linked to contact with backyard poultry. The outbreak includes 34 reported illnesses, and the count may grow as more people are identified.
The latest map shows where the 34 people lived. Officials say the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, which means the investigation is still tracing the full reach of the exposure.
Backyard Poultry Contact
Backyard poultry are the exposure linked to the illnesses. The CDC says any backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs that can make people sick, and Salmonella bacteria are a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States.
That leaves affected households with a narrow takeaway: anyone who handled backyard poultry, or touched the birds' environment, has a reason to pay attention if symptoms develop. The outbreak also reaches beyond one place, since public health officials in several states are involved.
34 Reported Illnesses
The number now stands at 34, but the known count is likely below the real total. Many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella, which leaves some infections outside the official count.
For readers with backyard poultry at home, the practical point is direct. The investigation ties the outbreak to contact with birds, not to a single named flock or location, so the exposure risk extends to any backyard poultry.
CDC Outbreak Map
The CDC map showing where the 34 people lived is the main tool tracking the spread across states. Because the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, the map is part of an active investigation rather than a finished accounting.
People who handled backyard poultry during April 2026 should watch for symptoms and seek care if they become sick, since the illness count is already documented and the investigation remains open.
