Backyard Chickens Are Spreading Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Across the US, CDC Warns

Key Points:

• A drug-resistant Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard chickens has affected 34 people across 13 states, with 13 hospitalizations reported and no deaths so far, according to the CDC.
• The bacteria involved show resistance to multiple antibiotics, including fosfomycin, which is often used as a last resort treatment, raising concerns about treatment options for severe infections.
• Salmonella is commonly carried by backyard poultry without symptoms, but this outbreak's antibiotic resistance highlights the growing challenge of managing foodborne illnesses.
• The CDC advises strict hygiene practices for backyard poultry owners, such as washing hands thoroughly, not bringing birds indoors, wearing dedicated shoes outdoors, and avoiding close contact like kissing or snuggling the birds.
• While most Salmonella infections resolve without antibiotics, these drugs remain crucial for vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of preventing infection and controlling antibiotic resistance.