13 STATES — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to contact with backyard poultry that has sickened at least 34 people across 13 states. Some of the infections are resistant to common antibiotics, according to the agency.

Illnesses were reported from February 26 to March 31, 2026, with 13 people hospitalized. Cases have been identified in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and West Virginia. CDC officials said more illnesses in more states could be possible.

People sickened in the outbreak range in age from 1 to 78, and more than 40% are children younger than 5. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from salmonella carried by backyard poultry, which include chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl and turkeys.

Bacteria from samples taken from the 34 sick people showed they may be resistant to at least one drug used to treat salmonella infections. Some of the samples also showed potential resistance to four other common antibiotics. Salmonella infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics can result in serious illness or death.

Of those interviewed, nearly 80% reported contact with backyard poultry. Among interviewed people who owned backyard poultry, more than 90% had obtained the animals since January 2026. The birds were obtained from various sources, including agricultural retail stores. Health officials are investigating the sources of the poultry involved in the outbreak.

The CDC has investigated multiple salmonella outbreaks involving backyard poultry in recent years. In 2025, a salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry sickened more than 500 people in 48 states, hospitalized 125 and resulted in two deaths.

The CDC advises that the best way to prevent illness is to wash hands after handling poultry, their food or items in their environment. The agency also advises people to avoid kissing or snuggling with backyard birds.