Backyard poultry is believed to be the cause of an outbreak of salmonella that has spread to 38 states in the U.S.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants poultry owners to know that they should refrain from showing affectionate direct contact with feathery friends as salmonella infections rise.
In a recent investigation notice titled Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry, the health agency explained that domestic fowl like chickens and ducks can be salmonella carriers, so backyard flock owners should make sure to not "kiss or snuggle" these birds in order to avoid infection.
Salmonella is a bacterium that’s transmitted through fecal-oral contact and often causes food poisoning.
Infections in humans typically occur when a person comes into contact with an animal or object that's been contaminated with fecal matter, according to the CDC.
The way of transmission has also led the CDC to advise people to not eat or drink around backyard poultry because it could be possible for salmonella bacteria to land on food, liquids or packaging, which would likely transmit the illness through someone’s mouth.
As of June 9, 2022, the CDC found there have been 219 salmonella cases in 38 states, which have been linked to backyard poultry.
Of those infections, 27 have resulted in hospitalization and one has resulted in death.
"Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 15, 2022, to May 19, 2022," the CDC wrote in a Salmonella: Investigation Details report.
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The infected parties ranged from age one to 89. Twenty-six percent were children under the age of five.
"The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses," the CDC noted. "This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella."
"In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as
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