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. 2016 Oct;22(10):1705-11.
doi: 10.3201/eid2210.150765.

Outbreaks of Human Salmonella Infections Associated with Live Poultry, United States, 1990-2014

Colin Basler, Thai-An Nguyen, Tara C Anderson, Thane Hancock, Casey Barton Behravesh

Outbreaks of Human Salmonella Infections Associated with Live Poultry, United States, 1990-2014

Colin Basler et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Backyard poultry flocks have increased in popularity concurrent with an increase in live poultry-associated salmonellosis (LPAS) outbreaks. Better understanding of practices that contribute to this emerging public health issue is needed. We reviewed outbreak reports to describe the epidemiology of LPAS outbreaks in the United States, examine changes in trends, and inform prevention campaigns. LPAS outbreaks were defined as ≥2 culture-confirmed human Salmonella infections linked to live poultry contact. Outbreak data were obtained through multiple databases and a literature review. During 1990-2014, a total of 53 LPAS outbreaks were documented, involving 2,630 illnesses, 387 hospitalizations, and 5 deaths. Median patient age was 9 years (range <1 to 92 years). Chick and duckling exposure were reported by 85% and 38% of case-patients, respectively. High-risk practices included keeping poultry inside households (46% of case-patients) and kissing birds (13%). Comprehensive One Health strategies are needed to prevent illnesses associated with live poultry.

Keywords: Easter; One Health; Salmonella; animal; backyard; bacteria; chicks; ducklings; goslings; hatcheries; infection; outbreak; poultry; poults; salmonellosis; zoonoses.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Number of live poultry–associated salmonellosis outbreaks and number of ill persons reported, by year, United States, 1991–2014.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Number of patients in reported live poultry–associated salmonellosis outbreaks, by age group, United States 1991–2014.
Figure 3
Figure 3
A “Tips to Stay Healthy around Backyard Poultry Flocks” web graphic produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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MeSH terms