Bird related Salmonella outbreak in the USA

There are at least 17 cases in an outbreak across eight states in the USA. The strain has been identified as one of Salmonella typhimurium.

The cases range from a 2 month old baby to an 89 year old, and has been ongoing since 26 December 2020, thankfully there have been no deaths so far.

It is expected that the number of cases will significantly increase due to the lag in reporting.

It has been found that the source of this outbreak is likely to be wild birds as there has been a noted increase of wild birds dying and on testing it has been found to be due to the same genomic strain as that causing the human outbreak.

Of the 17 current cases, 13 have a bird feeder and 10 have pet birds either with access to or in contact with wild birds.

It is being highly recommended that bird feeders be taken outside to be  thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at least weekly or when even slightly dirty.

Handwashing is , as always, essential as a way of prevent outbreaks.

Pets should be kept away from outside bird feeders to reduce the likelihood of spread.

For more information on this very interesting Salmonella outbreak –https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2021/04/salmonella-outbreak-sickens-people-in-8-states-birds-dying-from-same-strain/?utm_source=Food+Safety+News&utm_campaign=0b6251de1c-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f46cc10150-0b6251de1c-40232899