Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Backyard Poultry

For the third year in a row, a large multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections has been linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 212 cases have been reported in 44 states. In last year’s outbreak, at least 370 individuals were infected and in 2016, over 600 were infected.

The reported illnesses started in February of this year and continued for months into the summer. The CDC reports that 34 ill people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported this year. Of those infected, 26% of ill people were children younger than 5 years of age.

While backyard poultry continues to grow in popularity, the CDC warns that it’s common for chickens, ducks and other poultry to carry Salmonella. This type of bacteria naturally lives in the intestines of poultry and many other animals. The Salmonella can be carried in the droppings and on the bodies of live poultry. The bacteria can get on cages, coops, feed and water dishes, hay, plants and soil. These germs also can get on the hands, shoes and clothing of people who handle the birds or work or play where they live and roam. While it typically doesn’t make the birds sick, Salmonella can cause serious illness when it is passed to people.

“To help prevent infections in the first place or to identify the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred, environmental and food testing for Salmonella can be very helpful,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL we offer comprehensive testing services for Salmonella and a wide range of other microbial pathogens. These services frequently include testing food products, areas where poultry live and roam, water, soil and any surfaces that may become contaminated.”

EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about backyard poultry and Salmonella exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/V73xI8-AucI.

To learn more about Salmonella or other food and environmental testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail