CDC Releases First Report on Animal Contact Outbreaks

August 26, 2020 — 

According to CDC's first report on animal contact outbreaks, 59 outbreaks of enteric (intestinal) disease were linked to contact with animals or their environment in 2017. Information in the report comes from CDC's Animal Contact Outbreak Surveillance System, which is part of the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS). State, local, and territorial public health agencies submit reports of enteric disease outbreaks through NORS. [Source: CDC 17 August 2020]

Although most illnesses linked to animal contact are not part of a recognized outbreak, these outbreaks can provide important information on germs that spread from animals to people and the types of animals and settings commonly involved. CDC plans to issue annual reports on these outbreaks.

Here are the report's main findings:

• The 59 outbreaks accounted for 1,518 illnesses, 312 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths.
• Cryptosporidium was the most commonly reported confirmed cause of these outbreaks.
• Salmonella was the second most common cause of these outbreaks and the cause of the most outbreak-related illnesses.
• Livestock and poultry were the most common types of animals implicated.
• The most outbreak-associated illnesses were from contact with poultry, livestock, and reptiles.
• Farms or dairies were linked to outbreaks more often than any other setting, followed by private homes.