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Western Small Flocks Collaborative

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is a disease that people and animals can get. Learn more about Salmonellosis on this webpage and printable factsheet.

Salmonellosis Factsheet
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Quick Facts

Silhouette icon of a Infectious Coryza virus shape Leading cause of foodborne-related hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S
Silhouette icon of a brown chick Birds, including chicks, can spread Salmonella without looking sick
Silhouette of dark brown hand print Salmonella can easily spread from the coop to your kitchen on your hands, shoes, or clothing
Silhouette icon of a dark brown human figure Children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weak immune systems are most at risk
Silhouette of a boot with dirt on the sole and top Salmonella can survive on contaminated surfaces for up to four days

What is Salmonellosis?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can make people sick. Salmonellosis is the illness caused by the bacteria Salmonella. Birds can carry and shed Salmonella without appearing sick. People get infected by ingesting the bacteria through handling or kissing birds, touching contaminated surfaces, eating undercooked meat or eggs from infected birds, or eating food contaminated during preparation.

Silhouette icon of a brown caution symbol with an exclamation point in the center Birds may carry Salmonella without looking sick.

How can you protect yourself and your flock?

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Wash your hands

  • Always wash before and after handling birds, eggs, or meat.
  • Wash hands after cleaning the coop or equipment.
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Safe practices around birds

  • Do not eat or drink while working with your birds.
  • Do not kiss or snuggle birds.
  • Keep birds and poultry equipment outside the house.
  • Do not wash birds inside your home, especially the kitchen.
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Use dedicated clothing and equipment

  • Have footwear and tools that stay in the coop area.
  • Do not wear coop shoes inside your house since they can track in germs.
  • Do not share equipment between flocks without cleaning and disinfection.
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Prevent and control pests

  • Rodents and insects can spread Salmonella.
  • Secure the coop to keep pests out.
  • Store feed in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
  • Clean up spilled feed promptly so it doesn’t attract pests.
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Handle eggs safely

  • Collect eggs at least once a day. Discard any that are cracked, dirty, damaged, or found on the floor.
  • Keep nesting boxes and laying areas clean to reduce contamination.
  • Use a dry brush, cloth, or fine sandpaper to clean eggs. Avoid washing unless absolutely necessary.
  • If rinsing is needed, use water at least 20°F warmer than the egg. Never soak eggs.
  • Dry eggs right away with a clean cloth or paper towel.
  • Disinfect any surfaces or tools that come into contact with eggs.
  • Refrigerate eggs promptly at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Handling Eggs Safely
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Cook eggs and meat

  • Undercooked poultry or eggs can cause illness
  • Cook poultry to 165°F
  • Cook eggs to 160°F
  • Disinfect surfaces that touch raw meat or eggs

Signs of Salmonellosis in Humans

Common clinical signs

Symptoms usually start 8 to 72 hours after exposure. Illness often lasts 4 to 7 days.

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
Silhouette icon of a brown caution symbol with an exclamation point in the center Contact your doctor if you are concerned about Salmonellosis.

Spread and Impact

How it spreads

  • Salmonella spreads through droppings that contaminate eggs, coop surfaces, and hands after handling birds
  • People can also get sick by eating undercooked poultry or eggs from infected birds

Source and risks

  • Poultry, chicks, rodents, insects, pets, and people can spread Salmonella
  • Chicks are a frequent source of infection, especially for children

Impact in the U.S. (Source: CDC)

  • 1.35 million illnesses
  • 26,500 hospitalizations
  • 420 deaths
  • Many infections are linked to poultry or eggs
CDC Salmonella Website