Wisconsin Reports 17 Salmonella Cases Linked to Backyard Poultry

6 articles · Updated · WBAY · May 19

Wisconsin has logged 17 salmonella cases so far in 2026, with Winnebago County health officials tying the illnesses to contact with backyard poultry.
Health officials said the bacteria can spread through infected animals' feces, contaminated food or water, or by handling chickens, eggs and items in poultry living areas.
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal cramps; most people recover without treatment, but severe diarrhea can require hospitalization.
State guidance urges owners to wash hands after contact, avoid kissing or snuggling birds, keep poultry out of homes and not eat or drink around them.
The Wisconsin cases come as multistate backyard-poultry outbreaks have sickened 184 people in 31 states, including 21 in Michigan and 4 in Georgia.

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