Alert: 34 cases of resistant salmonella infection linked to backyard chickens and poultry in the US

Pelo 34 fewer people in 13 American states contracted salmonella after contact with poultry raised in backyards between February and March this year. The alert comes from the CDC — Centros from Controle and Prevenção from Doenças from the USA — and brings worrying information: some of the infections are resistant to common antibiotics, complicating treatment and increasing the risk of serious illnesses. Of the people affected, 13 required hospitalization. Ages range from 1 to 78 years old, but more than 40% are children under 5 years old.

The outbreak occurred in geographically dispersed states — Flórida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Virgínia Ocidental. Autoridades from the CDC warn that new cases in other states are possible, as the investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact origin of the infected birds.

Antimicrobial Resistência complicates treatment

Antibiotic resistance marks this outbreak as particularly concerning. Of bacterial samples collected from 34 sick people, laboratory analyzes revealed possible resistance of each bacteria to at least one drug routinely used to treat salmonella infections. Mais is still alarming the fact that some of these bacteria also showed possible resistance to four other common antibiotics used in infectious therapies.

Infecções caused by bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics represent a high health risk. Quando the pathogen does not respond to drug treatment, the disease can progress to severe or even fatal forms. Esse scenario is especially critical in vulnerable groups — young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of complications. The CDC has monitored the clinical evolution of each registered case to assess the severity and guide therapeutic strategies.

The issue of antimicrobial resistance is not isolated to this outbreak. It is a growing problem in global public health, fueled by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in human medicine and also in animal husbandry. The emergence of resistant strains forces healthcare professionals to rethink treatment protocols and highlights the urgency of stricter regulations on the use of these medicines.

Contato with birds is a determining factor

Entre of the people interviewed during the epidemiological investigation, almost 80% reported direct contact with birds raised in backyards. Esse data suggests strong association between exposure to animals and disease development. Of the people who had birds in their backyards, more than 90% had acquired the animals since January — a relatively recent period that guides the search for the original source of contamination.

The animals were obtained from several locations, including agricultural products stores. Autoridades Health are systematically investigating these outlets to identify whether any specific supplier distributed infected birds. Traceability of the origin of animals is crucial to contain the outbreak and prevent new transmissions.

Aves reared in backyards include chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl and turkeys. Esses animals can be natural carriers of germs, particularly salmonella, without necessarily showing visible symptoms of illness. Humanos become contaminated through direct contact with birds, handling their food or through exposure to contaminated objects in the environment where they live.

Perfil age and geographic distribution

Confirmed cases have a wide distribution in terms of age group, with ages between 1 and 78 years old. Contudo, the concentration in children under 5 years of age — representing more than 40% of patients — illustrates the special vulnerability of this population. Crianças at this age have immune systems that are still developing and tend to explore the environment less cautiously, increasing the risk of exposure to pathogens.

The geographic dispersion of cases across 13 states suggests multiple points of contamination or a distribution chain of infected birds that crosses several regions. The epidemiological map continues to be complemented as new investigations advance. The possibility of new cases in states not yet affected remains open, especially if the initial source is not quickly identified and neutralized.

Histórico of similar outbreaks and worrying pattern

The CDC is not facing this problem for the first time. The agency has investigated several salmonella outbreaks involving backyard birds over the past few years, highlighting a recurring pattern. In 2025, a previous larger outbreak affected more than 500 people spread across 48 American states. Esse’s previous outbreak resulted in 125 hospitalizations and two deaths, demonstrating the lethal potential of the pathogen when left uncontrolled.

Comparando the current outbreak — 34 cases in 13 states — with that of 2025 — more than 500 cases in 48 states — it is observed that this is on a smaller scale so far. Porém, the presence of antimicrobial resistance in this current outbreak represents an aggravating factor that was not present in the same proportions previously. Essa bacteria’s evolution towards resistance reflects an emerging health challenge that requires increased attention.

Medidas Preventative and CDC Recommendations

Diante of the identified risk, the CDC has issued clear guidance to reduce the risk of infection. The best way to prevent illnesses caused by salmonella is to adopt strict hygiene after any handling of birds, their food or objects located in their environment. Lavar Hands with soap and water after these contacts is essential and effective in the vast majority of cases.

Recommended specific Medidas include:

• Evitar kissing or hugging backyard birds, a common practice among children who can easily put their fingers in their mouths
• Lavar hands carefully before eating, drinking or touching your face
• Manter birds in separate areas of food preparation environments
• Desinfectar regularly objects and surfaces that may have come into contact with birds
• Garantir that young children, the elderly and immunocompromised people are supervised during any interaction with these animals

At-risk Grupos — children under age 5, adults over age 65, and people with compromised immune systems — should be especially careful or even avoid direct contact with non-commercial poultry. Para these individuals, even a mild salmonella infection can quickly develop into serious complications.

Perspectiva investigation underway

Investigations remain open to fully clarify the circumstances of the outbreak. The CDC works collaboratively with state and local health agencies to expand the search for new cases, refine the clinical profile of infections, and, most importantly, identify and contain the source. Cada new case interviewed provides clues that accumulate in the epidemiological puzzle.

The possibility of finding the common origin — if there is one — remains critical to preventing more people from becoming infected. If a specific farm supply store or distributor is identified as responsible for the sale of infected birds, corrective actions and communication to the public can be implemented quickly. Até this occurs, epidemiological surveillance continues to be intensified in the 13 affected states and beyond.