A recent salmonella outbreak in the United States has been linked to backyard poultry, prompting health officials to issue warnings about the risks associated with handling such animals, news agency AP reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that at least seven individuals across six states – Missouri (two cases), Florida, Illinois, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin – have fallen ill due to a specific strain of salmonella. The illnesses occurred during February and March of this year.
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Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year, and recent outbreaks have been linked to sources such as cucumbers, eggs, unpasteurised milk, fresh basil, geckos, and pet bearded dragons.
Backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry salmonella bacteria even if they appear healthy and clean. The report also linked a backyard poultry-associated outbreak that ended last year to 470 cases across 48 states, including one fatality.
