June 2, 2023

Información en español

Three Salmonella cases in Kitsap County are part of a nationwide outbreak linked to backyard poultry

Always wash your hands after interacting with poultry or their surroundings. 

Three recent Salmonella cases reported in Kitsap County are part of a nationwide outbreak linked to backyard poultry flocks, according to the Washington State Department of Health.   

Cases linked to the outbreak have also been reported in Cowlitz, Grant, King, Skagit, Spokane, Thurston, and Yakima counties. Nationwide, 104 cases had been identified across 31 states.

Salmonella are bacteria that can be found in bird droppings. Backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella, even if they seem healthy and clean. The bacteria spread easily to cages, coops, hay, plants, and soil in the area where they live. You can get sick from Salmonella by touching poultry or their surroundings and then touching your mouth or food with unwashed hands. 

About 20 to 30 cases of Salmonellosis (the illness caused by Salmonella) are reported in Kitsap County each year. 

People infected with Salmonella usually become sick one to three days after exposure. Most people recover within four to seven days without treatment. However, some people may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization. Children under 5, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to get severely sick from Salmonella. 

Symptoms can include:

• Diarrhea that can be bloody
• Fever
• Chills
• Stomach cramps
• Occasional vomiting

To avoid infection and protect your flock, follow these prevention steps:

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after touching backyard poultry or their surroundings (such as cleaning their coops).
• Don’t kiss or snuggle poultry, including newborn chicks.
• Don’t eat or drink around your poultry.
• Keep poultry and the supplies you use to care for them outside of your home.
• Supervise children around birds; children younger than five should not touch birds. Make sure children wash their hands immediately after handling poultry or playing in the same area as poultry.
• Separate your flock from wildlife.
• Practice good biosecurity.
• Safely handle, cook, and store eggs.
• If you or someone in your family has symptoms of Samonella, the ill person should avoid preparing food, attending or working in a daycare, or using public swimming pools until symptoms have fully resolved.

Visit DOH's website for more information on staying healthy while caring for backyard poultry.   

For more information contact:
 
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
360-728-2330 - office | (360) 728-2235 - main
pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org