Salmonella infections are caused by About Salmonella Infection | Salmonella Infection | CDC. There are many different types of Salmonella (over 2500), but only a few can cause illness in both humans and animals. Salmonella is part of the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract of both humans and animals. Infections can occur through direct contact with animals or indirectly through ingestion of contaminated water or food (the most common route in humans). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 1.35 million human cases of Salmonella occur every year. The number of infections is underestimated, and this is attributed to most patients do not seeking medical care. Serious illness can occur in children younger than 5, and adults 50 and older with underlining problems. Symptoms in humans range from diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever and loss of appetite Symptoms of Salmonella Infection | Salmonella Infection | CDC. If symptoms persist for more than 2 days or worsen quickly, medical care needs to be initiated before dehydration occurs. In some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. If septicemia occurs you need to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment is supportive care; antibiotics are rarely used.

Salmonella outbreaks occur often and are caused by a variety of contaminated foods Reports of Selected Salmonella Outbreak Investigations | Salmonella Infection | CDC. Ground turkey, chicken, other meats, seafood, cucumbers, melons, eggs, onions, raw cookie dough are just a few items that have recently been linked to outbreaks. In 2015 one of the largest outbreaks occurred connected to cucumbers 2015 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Imported Cucumbers | Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Poona Infections Linked to Imported Cucumbers | September 2015 | Salmonella | CDC. There were 907 cases, 204 people were hospitalized and 6 died in 40 states. An outbreak associated with raw milk occurred during late 2023-early 2024 Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Linked to Commercially Distributed Raw Milk — California and Four Other States, September 2023–March 2024 | MMWR. Over 170 people were sick from drinking raw milk and 70% were children. Many of these children had to be hospitalized. Every year there have been outbreaks connected to small turtles, backyard poultry and petting zoos. Water can also be a problem, avoid ingesting water when swimming in lakes, pools and other bodies of water. Diagnosis is made through history and isolation of the organism.

The best prevention is washing hands thoroughly after petting animals, cooking food to recommended temperatures, keeping raw food away from cooked food and washing utensils and prep areas in between salmonella_and_salmonellosis.pdf. Drink pasteurized milk and juices and don’t eat anything that contains raw milk products. 

Salmonella can affect most animals Salmonellosis in Animals - Digestive System - Merck Veterinary Manual. Animals can be chronic carriers of Salmonella and remain healthy, or infections can occur such as septicemia (throughout the body) or enteritis (gastrointestinal distress). Healthy adult animals can have acute enteritis when many virulent bacteria are ingested or the animal is under stress, such as after a surgical procedure (frequently seen in horses). Young animals commonly have acute salmonellosis, such as calves <2 months of age, which then can develop into septicemia. Adult animals can shed the bacteria in their feces, and become chronic carriers, contaminating the soil and water, exposing other animals and humans to the organism. Ingestion is the main route of entry, either through food or water. Diagnosis is through clinical history, molecular biology and isolation of the organism. Treatment for mild cases is supportive, for septicemia antibiotics are recommended. There have been increased occurrences of salmonellosis in humans and pets after feeding raw diets. Care needs to be taken for both the pet and humans in the household when choosing to feed a raw diet or cooking your pet’s food Viva Raw Issues Voluntary Recall of Two Lots of Dog and Cat Foods Due to Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination | FDA.    

The following is a guide to preventing food-borne salmonellosis: 

Preparation of food

1. Clean all utensils and cutting boards with hot soapy water (or dishwasher) after they have been in contact with raw foods
2. Always wash your hand often with soap and water when prepping raw foods
3. Don't re-use cooking utensils after tasting food while cooking always wash the utensil after using

Storing and Holding 

1. Always store perishable foods in the refrigerator or in the freezer if not eaten within a few days after cooking. 

2. Cool foods rapidly and place it in the refrigerator after cooking (within < two hours)

3. Reheat food thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165⁰F or higher for at least 15 minutes

4. Broths and gravies should be brought to a rolling boil for several minutes

5. Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, do not thaw at room temperature