Hundreds more reported ill in salmonella outbreaks tied to backyard poultry

(CNN) — Over 220 cases of salmonella have been reported in the past month in outbreaks spanning 41 states, including Idaho, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday. The agency believes that backyard poultry is to blame.

A total of 279 cases of illness have been reported in the outbreaks so far, and 40 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Most of those infected reported contact with chicks or ducklings from hatcheries, agricultural stores and websites. About a third of those who fell ill were children younger than 5, a group at particular risk for complications that may require hospitalization.

This is the 12th time since 2011 that the CDC has announced a salmonella outbreak tied to live poultry. Over 70 such outbreaks have been declared since 2000, according to the agency.

While most people recover without treatment after four to seven days, the bacterial infection can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Severe diarrhea can require hospitalization.

There are also signs that some, but not all, of the salmonella infections in these outbreaks were resistant to common antibiotics, which may make them more difficult to treat.

The exact sources of the outbreaks are unclear, but the CDC believes that multiple hatcheries are to blame.

Even the healthiest chickens and ducks can carry the bacteria, meaning everybody should take precautions when interacting with them: Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching poultry or anything in their environment, don’t let backyard poultry into the house, and set aside a pair of shoes to wear while taking care of the birds (and leave them outside).

The birds can carry bacteria on their feathers, on their feet and in their droppings, and it’s difficult to identify which animals have the infection. “A lot of people perceive a bird with salmonella will look sick, but that is really not the case,” Dr. Megin Nichols, a CDC veterinarian, told CNN after an earlier outbreak.

The CDC recommends that those younger than 5 years old, those 65 and older and those with weakened immune systems completely avoid touching chicks, ducklings or other poultry.

And although chickens may be cute — especially when they’re young — the CDC warns against getting too close. “Don’t kiss backyard poultry,” the agency said in a statement, “or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth.”