The Bismarck Tribune of North Dakota reports that more than 150 people became ill after Aggie Jennings of rural Washburn catered three separate events — a family reunion and two weddings in June — and the illnesses were confirmed as salmonella poisoning.
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State epidemidologist Kirby Kruger said 32 people who attended the wedding met the case definition of salmonella poisoning and 13 tested positive for salmonella montevideo, a strain associated with baby chickens.
Jennings raised chickens at her rural residence, he said.
The DNA pattern in the most recent cases matched that pattern and can be traced to a hatchery in Iowa, Kruger said during the investigation.
After the outbreak, the First District Health Unit in Minot issued a cease-and-desist order to Jennings, telling her to stop all catering activities.
The following weekend Jennings catered a wedding in McClusky where more than 15 people became ill with salmonella poisoning.