Backyard chicken lovers beware: an outbreak of drug-resistant Salmonella bacteria linked to these birds is spreading across the country. Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first reported on the outbreak late last week. There have been over 30 reported cases in multiple states, along with several hospitalizations. In some of the cases, the bacteria have also shown resistance to more than one antibiotic. “You can get sick from touching your backyard poultry or anything in their environment and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella germs,” the CDC noted in its advisory to the public. Backyard troubles According to the CDC, the first known cases of this outbreak emerged in late February. As of April 23, there have been 34 reported illnesses in 13 states. Of the 27 cases with available information, 13 people have been hospitalized, though no deaths as of yet.…