Backyard Chicken Salmonella
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in association with multiple states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), have reported seven separate multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard chickens.
A total of 324 people over 35 states have been infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella.
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Over 300 People Sickened in Backyard Chicken Salmonella Outbreak
Of the 324 people sickened in this outbreak, sixty-six were hospitalized, and one death was reported, though Salmonella infection was not considered to be a contributing factor in the reported death.
More than a forth of those infected were children 5 years-old or younger.
Of the 324 reports of illness, 238 of those people were interviewed, revealing that 217 (91%) reported contact with live poultry in the week before their illness.
The CDC has reports of illness ranging from January 4, 2016 to May 11, 2016.
Salmonella Information
Salmonella is a bacterium capable of causing a serious and sometimes life-threatening infection known as salmonellosis.
According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are an estimated 1.2 million cases in the U.S. each year, with approximately 400 of those cases resulting in death. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to suffer severe illness or Salmonella Complications.
Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning (salmonellosis) may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms usually appear within 6 to 72 hours after exposure to the Salmonella-contaminated animal or food.
Salmonella Infection from Backyard Chickens
The CDC provides the following information in their June 8, 2016 Backyard Chicken Salmonella Outbreak Report:
Ill people reported purchasing live poultry to produce eggs, learn about agriculture, have as a hobby,enjoy for fun, keep as pets, or to give as Easter gifts. Some of the places ill people reported contact with live poultry include at their home, someone else’s home, work, or school settings.
These outbreaks are expected to continue for the next several months since flock owners might be unaware of the risk of Salmonella infection from live poultry or participate in risky behaviors that can result in infection.
Contact The Weinberg Law Firm for a Free Salmonella Lawsuit Consultation
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with salmonellosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of Salmonella infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights and the 2016 Backyard Chicken Salmonella Outbreak, you can request a free legal consultation by calling The Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274.
