Description
Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that causes an infection called salmonellosis. Its numerous different species and subspecies affect a wide range of animals, including amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Salmonellosis can be spread from animals to humans. It primarily affects the intestinal tract of an animal, but can also be found in the urine, blood, and other body tissues.
Transmission
The Salmonella bacteria is spread by eating infected feces. An infected animal may shed the bacteria into the environment through their feces, which may contaminate water, feeding areas, and areas where an animal may bed down or roost. The bacteria can persist in the intestinal tract of seemingly healthy animals, which then act as carriers of the disease. Some animals can carry the bacteria without showing any signs of infection.
Salmonellosis is mostly reported in bird species, and infections are more common in the summer. Outbreaks of salmonellosis are sometimes associated with birdfeeders that have been exposed to infected fecal matter.
Clinical Signs
In animals, Salmonella can cause diarrhea, depression, weakness, dehydration, lethargic behavior, loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, listlessness, and convulsions.
Wildlife Management Implications
Salmonella can be found in many different animals but is particularly deadly to songbirds, river otters, and young white-tailed deer. Historically, salmonellosis rates in songbirds have been relatively low, but breakouts with large mortality events are becoming more common in songbirds or perching birds in North America. Proper management of food sources such as birdfeeders seems to be the best way to prevent infection.
Clean your birdfeeders at least once every two weeks. Take each birdfeeder down and emptying it, picking up any seeds that have fallen to the ground and scrubbing each with soap and water. When the feeder is dry, soak it in a 10% bleach solution for about 15 minutes, then rinse it with water and let it dry.
Human Health Significance
Humans can contract the Salmonella bacteria through contact with infected animals, animal feces or their environment, other ill people, or by eating contaminated food. Animals with Salmonella may not appear ill, and contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea that is sometimes bloody, and stomach cramps. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, or headaches. Symptoms typically start between six hours and six days after infection and may last up to seven days. Children younger than 5 years old, adults older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to Salmonella infections.
To reduce the risk of infection, wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap after handling potential sources of infection like animals, their environment, and animal feces. Always clean, separate, cook, and chill food correctly to prevent Salmonella contamination. If you believe you have contracted Salmonella, contact your health care provider.