Salmonella enterica Frequency in Backyard Chickens in Vermont
Quick Look
This Vermont study tested backyard chicken flocks for Salmonella enterica and surveyed owners about biosecurity habits. Salmonella was detected in 19% of sampled flocks from 2019-2021, and the study found that safe handling practices were inconsistent. The practical message is simple: backyard eggs and chickens are not automatically safer because they are loved at home.
Study at a Glance
Species: Backyard chickens
Breed/Line: Mixed backyard flocks in Vermont
Number of Birds/Flocks: 42 flocks tested for Salmonella enterica in the pilot sampling; statewide survey data from backyard chicken owners
Study Duration: 2019-2022
Country: United States
Journal: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Year: 2022
Research Focus: Salmonella enterica frequency in backyard chickens, owner knowledge, biosecurity habits, and food-safety behaviors
Study Overview
The researchers wanted to know how often Salmonella enterica could be found in Vermont backyard chicken flocks and what owners understood about Salmonella risk. They also looked at owner habits, including flock management, biosecurity practices, and close-contact behaviors.
This matters because people often separate “industrial food safety” from “my backyard flock.” But Salmonella does not care whether a bird lives in a commercial house, a rural coop, or a charming backyard run. That is why practical backyard poultry biosecurity matters at every flock size.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The study included two survey efforts. The first was a pilot survey connected to cloacal swabbing or bedding sampling from backyard flocks between 2019 and 2021. The second was a statewide survey in 2022 to estimate backyard chicken ownership and assess owner knowledge and practices.
The researchers tested flock samples for Salmonella enterica and compared owner behaviors and attitudes across survey groups.
Key Findings
Overall, 19% of tested backyard chicken flocks were positive for Salmonella enterica during the 2019-2021 sampling period. The rate varied substantially by year.
The study also found gaps between awareness and behavior. Some owners reported unsafe practices such as kissing or cuddling chickens. The authors noted that despite public health messaging about backyard poultry-associated salmonellosis, biosecurity uptake was inconsistent.
The statewide survey group showed lower use of some good biosecurity habits than the pilot survey group, suggesting that people who volunteer for flock sampling may already be more engaged or informed than the average owner.
Strengths of the Study
This study is valuable because it combines biological testing with owner behavior data. Knowing whether Salmonella is present is useful, but knowing how people handle their birds, eggs, equipment, and hygiene makes the information much more practical.
It also includes rural backyard flock owners, not only urban chicken keepers. That gives a broader picture of backyard poultry culture in Vermont.
Limitations of the Study
The number of tested flocks was modest, and Salmonella detection varied by year. The 19% figure should not be treated as a universal backyard flock rate.
The study was conducted in Vermont, so climate, flock sourcing, housing, wild-bird exposure, and owner habits may differ from other regions.
This study also does not diagnose illness in people. It evaluates flock samples and owner practices related to risk.
Poultry Nerds Takeaway
Backyard poultry can be wonderful and still require common-sense hygiene. Those two ideas belong together.
For flock owners, the practical steps are not complicated: wash hands after handling birds, eggs, bedding, feeders, and waterers; keep coop shoes out of the kitchen; do not kiss chickens; do not let children snuggle birds and then touch their faces; clean egg collection and storage habits; and be extra careful around young children, older adults, pregnant people, and immunocompromised family members.
This paper is not saying backyard chickens are bad. It is saying we need better risk communication that people will actually hear and follow. For another look at what diagnostic data reveal in small flocks, read Causes of Mortality in Backyard Poultry in Eight States. Love the flock. Respect the germs.
Original Research
Authors: Larsen et al.
Paper title: Salmonella enterica frequency in backyard chickens in Vermont
Journal: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Year: 2022
DOI: Not listed in the accessible text I reviewed
Original publication: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9536149/
Open-access version: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9536149/
How to Cite This Review
Poultry Nerds. (2026). Salmonella enterica Frequency in Backyard Chickens in Vermont (Research Review). Poultry Nerds Research Library. Retrieved July 19, 2026, from https://www.PoultryNerdsPodcast.com/research-library/salmonella-enterica-frequency-in-backyard-chickens-in-vermont
Research Review
This article summarizes a peer-reviewed scientific publication and explains its practical application for poultry keepers, breeders, and educators. It is an original review written by Poultry Nerds and is not a reproduction of the original manuscript. Readers are encouraged to review the complete publication using the original publisher and open-access links provided above.
This review is for education only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Poultry owners should work with a veterinarian, physician, public health department, or diagnostic laboratory for suspected Salmonella illness, sick birds, unexpected deaths, zoonotic exposure, or possible reportable disease.
Continue Exploring Poultry Research
Browse the Poultry Nerds Research Library for more evidence-based reviews.
Read Causes of Mortality in Backyard Poultry in Eight States for a broader look at diagnostic findings in small flocks.