SALMONELLA Zoonotic diseases: Part 4

Salmonella is a genus of gram-negative bacteria. The two known species of Salmonella are Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella bacteria live in the intestinal tract of different animals and humans. The disease is a zoonosis, and can spread from infected animals to humans.

“Many animals and pets can carry these germs, even if they look clean and healthy. Animals that can spread Salmonella to people include poultry (chicks, chickens, ducklings, ducks, geese, and turkeys), wild birds, reptiles (turtles, lizards and snakes), amphibians (frogs and toads), rodents (mice, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs), hedgehogs, [and] farm animals (goats, calves, cows, sheep and pigs),” says the CDC.

Walter Grünberg says that the most common type of Salmonella infection is the carrier state. He adds that clinical disease is characterised by two major syndromes in animals, namely systemic septicaemia (typhoid) and enteritis.

ANIMALS

The CDC explains that animals become infected by Salmonella through their environment, by consuming contaminated food, or from their mothers before birth or hatching.

“Most animals do not get sick from Salmonella, [and] animals can carry Salmonella and still appear healthy and clean. Salmonella naturally lives in their intestines and can be found in their faeces.”

Faeces can contaminate an animal’s body parts, such as fur, skin, feathers or scales, as well as the areas in which these animals reside, such as a chicken coop, a pen or terrarium.