Backyard Poultry-Linked Salmonella Outbreak Continues to Grow Across the U.S.

A Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry flocks has become the largest such outbreak in the United States in 2026, with 1,061 illnesses reported across 46 states and Puerto Rico, an increase of 247 cases since July 27. Two deaths have been linked to the outbreak, which disproportionately affects children younger than five. All sickened individuals reported contact with backyard chickens and/or ducks.