Food Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ, August 27^th , 2019

At the start of this year, people began reporting illnesses due to infections caused by Salmonella bacteria after coming in contact with backyard poultry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials from several states began investigating what turned out to be a multistate outbreak that spread to at least 48 states.

Recently, the CDC posted an update on the outbreak that shared there have been 768 cases reported so far. Of these, 122 resulted in hospitalization of the infected individuals and two deaths have been reported. According to the agency, “Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that contact with backyard poultry, such as chicks and ducklings, from multiple hatcheries is the likely source of these outbreaks.” The Salmonella infections have come from serotypes Agona, Anatum, Braenderup, Infantis, Montevideo and Newport.

“This is the fourth year in a row that a large multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections has been linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “People need to be vigilant of handling live poultry and washing hands is crucial as the CDC warns that it's common for chickens, ducks and other poultry to carry Salmonella. This type of bacteria naturally lives in the intestines of poultry and many other animals. Salmonella can be carried in the droppings and on the bodies of live poultry so it can get on cages, coops, feed and water dishes, hay, plants and soil. These germs also can get on the hands, shoes and clothing of people who handle the birds or play where they live and roam. Hatchery workers are also at risk.”

To help prevent infections or to identify the source of an outbreak, environmental testing for Salmonella can be beneficial and is available through EMSL Analytical, Inc. Their laboratories provide comprehensive testing services for Salmonella, E. coli and a wide range of other microbial pathogens. Testing in areas where poultry live and roam, water, soil and any surfaces that may become contaminated can help to pinpoint sources of the bacteria. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about backyard poultry and Salmonella exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/fQmOd_B_P68.

To learn more about Salmonella or other food and environmental testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.