Live Poultry Shipment Box Sampling at Feed Stores as an Indicator for Human Salmonella Infections - Michigan, 2016–2018

Salmonella infection is estimated to cause 1.2 million human illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths in the US each year. An estimated 11% of Salmonella illnesses annually are caused by animal contact; contact with live poultry has become an increasing public health concern as backyard flock ownership has grown in popularity. During 2016-2018, a total of 136 samples were collected at three agricultural feed store chains in 20 different Michigan locations, primarily during the spring months. Sampling of poultry shipment boxes upon arrival at agricultural feed stores in the spring can provide an early indicator of Salmonella species present in hatchery-sourced live poultry.