Forty-seven states have been affected by a recent outbreak of salmonella infections linked to live poultry.
Reports of outbreaks invoving several types of the disease began January 4. By mid-May 71 people had been hospitalized out of 379 cases reported nationwide, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Five cases have been reported in Kansas.
Salmonella outbreaks have increased in recent years as backyard flocks have increased in popularity. In 2016, a record number of salmonella cases linked to poultry were reported.
Chicks, ducklings, and other live poultry that look healthy and clean can still carry salmonella bacteria, according to the CDC. Handling live poultry is not recommended for children younger than 5 years old, adults older than 65, and people with compromised immune systems.
Handwashing is the primary preventative measure to avoid the infection. The CDC also recommends hobby farmers have a pair of shoes they wear solely for taking care of the birds and do not wear in their own homes.
The symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal cramps.
Salmonella linked to hobby farms
