Cinnaminson, NJ, July 8th, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted information about another outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry. In nine of the last 10 years, the agency has reported on at least 12 outbreaks taking place across the United States.
In this most recent case, at least 97 people in 28 states have been infected. The infections resulted in 17 hospitalizations and 30% of all infections were in children younger than 5 years of age. The CDC reports that epidemiologic evidence shows that contact with backyard poultry (such as chicks and ducklings) is the likely source of this outbreak. In interviews, people reported obtaining chicks and ducklings from several sources, including agricultural stores, websites and hatcheries.
“Chickens, ducks and other poultry can all carry Salmonella, a type of bacteria that naturally lives in the intestines of many animals,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Salmonella can be carried in the droppings and on the bodies of live poultry so it can sometimes be found on cages, coops, feed and water dishes, hay, plants and soil. The bacteria can also get on people’s hands, shoes and clothing if they handle the birds or if children play where they live and roam.”
EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers environmental testing for Salmonella and other microbial pathogens. Their testing experts provide all of the sampling supplies needed and have 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 environmental and food 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 45 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.