Salmonella Infections Linked to Backyard Poultry

March 26, 2026

Although baby chicks and ducklings are a welcome sign of spring, you might want to think twice before bringing them home as pets.

Every year in Ohio, there are dozens of human Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry, including chicks, ducklings, geese, and turkeys. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has investigated over 100 Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard chicks and ducklings since 2010. Last year, there were 13 multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry. A total of 559 people from 48 states were infected during these outbreaks, and 20% were children less than 5 years of age. There were 28 Ohioans infected during last year's backyard poultry Salmonella outbreaks.

People can become infected with Salmonella from eating food contaminated with the bacteria or by having contact with an infected animal's feces. Poultry, especially baby poultry such as chicks and ducklings, commonly carry Salmonella germs, even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily contaminate a bird's body and the areas where they are housed, such as cages and coops. People can become ill from touching poultry or anything in their environment. There are approximately 1,600 people with Salmonella infections reported each year in Ohio. However, the true number of Ohioans infected each year is likely higher because many people do not seek medical treatment and are not diagnosed with Salmonella. Children less than 5 years of age, adults over 65 years of age, and immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk for severe infection from Salmonella.

How is Salmonella transmitted?

You can get sick from touching backyard poultry or anything in their environment and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella germs. Children become infected by putting their fingers or other items contaminated with chick stool in their mouths. Chicks and ducklings often do not appear dirty but may have feces on their feathers and beaks - places where children are likely to touch.

How do I know if a chick or duckling has Salmonella?

Many chicks and young birds carry Salmonella bacteria in their feces, even if they look healthy and clean. It is difficult to know if chicks are carrying Salmonella because they will not usually show signs of illness.

How do I reduce the exposure of young children to Salmonella from chicks and ducklings?

• Do NOT purchase live animals as gifts. Give toy stuffed animals instead.
• Supervise children around poultry and while they wash their hands afterward. Do not let children under 5 years of age handle baby chicks or other young birds. Keep them from coming into contact with packages that have contained chicks or ducklings.
• Discourage children from snuggling or kissing poultry and touching their faces after handling poultry.
• Wash hands immediately if anyone touches chicks or ducklings or their environment. Pacifiers, toys, bottles, or other objects should not touch the baby birds or their enclosures. If these objects do become contaminated, wash them with warm soapy water.
• Do not allow anyone to eat or drink while interacting with birds or their environment. Keep the bird area separate from areas where food and drink are prepared or consumed. Do not allow chicks or ducklings on table surfaces or places where food will be prepared or eaten.
• Talk to your veterinarian, nurse, or doctor about possible risk factors.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella infections in humans?

Most people have diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain that starts one to three days after they are infected with the bacteria. These symptoms usually resolve after one week. Other symptoms might be nausea, chills, headache, or a general achy feeling. Young children, adults older than 65 years, and other immunocompromised persons may have a more severe infection. Occasionally, infections are so severe that people have to see a doctor or be hospitalized.

How are Salmonella infections diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis is made by testing stool samples for Salmonella bacteria. Treatments are usually supportive, consisting of fluid therapy and pain relief. Antibiotics should only be used to treat severe cases of illness because antibiotics may prolong the disease, and many strains of Salmonella are resistant to antibiotics. If you think you may have a Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider.

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Poster: Healthy Families and Flocks

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Pets: Backyard Poultry

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coops Video: Doja Chick

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Defend the Flock

Ohio Poultry Association: Backyard Flocks