Flock health

Salmonella and Backyard Poultry: CDC Handwashing, Kids and Chick-Handling Rules

Field guide · Updated October 15, 2026 · about 6 min read

Chickens, ducks and turkeys commonly carry Salmonella in their droppings and on their feathers, feet and beaks, often while looking healthy and clean (University of Tennessee Extension). The CDC says outbreaks linked to backyard poultry are common. This page sets out the CDC's prevention rules for flock owners, with the latest outbreak numbers and the extension advice that goes with them.

This is a summary of public-health guidance, not medical advice. If someone in your household is ill, call a doctor and mention that you keep poultry. The CDC notes that healthy-looking birds can still spread germs.

At a glance

How big is the problem?

A CDC-led review of 2015–2022 found 88 multistate Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry, with 7,866 illnesses and 9 deaths. Of patients with information available, 24% were under 5 and 30% were hospitalized. Patients reported kissing or snuggling poultry and letting birds inside their homes, and illnesses nearly tripled compared with 1990–2014 (Stapleton et al., 2024). The CDC's yearly investigations since then:

Reported cases understate the total: the CDC estimates that only about 1 in 30 Salmonella infections from all sources is diagnosed. In May 2026 the CDC said the largest of that year's outbreaks had an unusually high number of people reporting contact with ducks, and that more than a quarter of those sick at that point were under 5.

Who is at higher risk

• Children under 5, especially those under 1 (CDC). The CDC explains that children's immune systems are still developing.
• Adults 65 and older, and adults 50 and older with medical problems such as heart disease (CDC).
• People with weakened immune systems (CDC).

How to wash your hands after the coop

1. Wet your hands with running water (CDC's steps are wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry).
2. Lather with soap, including the backs of hands, wrists, between fingers and under nails (UK Extension).
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds (CDC, UK Extension).
4. Rinse under running water.
5. Dry with a paper towel, and turn off the faucet with your elbow or the towel (UK Extension).

When soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, then wash properly when you can (CDC, UK Extension). The CDC suggests keeping sanitizer at the coop. Wash after touching birds, eggs, feed and water containers, equipment or anything in the birds' area.

Everyday rules for the whole household

• Don't kiss or snuggle poultry, and don't eat or drink where they live or roam (CDC).
• Keep birds out of the house, especially where food and drinks are prepared, served or stored. The CDC includes kitchens and outdoor patios.
• Keep one pair of shoes or boots just for the coop, and leave them outside (CDC). UT Extension also suggests taking off clothes worn around birds before going indoors.
• Clean feeders, waterers, cages and other supplies outdoors, never in the kitchen sink (CDC, Oklahoma State).
• Wear gloves to clean coops, and never pick up droppings with bare hands (CDC).

Children, chicks and ducklings

Bringing new chicks home

• Buy from NPIP hatcheries. The CDC recommends hatcheries in USDA's National Poultry Improvement Plan and the voluntary U.S. Salmonella Monitored Program. UT Extension notes that NPIP participation lowers the risk but does not guarantee Salmonella-free birds.
• Expect shedding after shipping. Chicks may begin shedding the bacteria after stress such as shipping (UT Extension).
• Put the brooder outside the living space. The CDC's flock checklist suggests a brooder that can be cleaned and disinfected, in a garage or other protected outdoor space. Brooder temperatures and space are in the chick care checklist.
• Keep new birds apart. The CDC advises at least 30 days of separation before new birds join the flock; see flock biosecurity.

Eggs

The CDC's egg rules for flock owners: collect eggs often, throw away cracked ones, clean dirty eggs with fine sandpaper, a brush or a cloth rather than washing them, refrigerate them, and cook them until the yolk and white are firm, with egg dishes cooked to 160°F. The details and storage times are in egg handling and washing.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

Most people get diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, starting 6 hours to 6 days after infection and usually lasting 4 to 7 days. Most recover without treatment (CDC). The sources word the warning signs slightly differently:

The CDC lists dehydration signs as little or no urination, strong thirst, dizziness and crying without tears, and warns that it can develop quickly in young children. For a bite or scratch, wash it right away with soap and warm water; the CDC says to see a doctor if the wound is serious, becomes red, painful, warm or swollen, or if your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago.

HenClass does not give medical advice. Questions about a case in your state go to your state health department; CDC-INFO is 800-232-4636.