Where does salmonella come from?

Contaminated food: It can come from eating or drinking contaminated food, water or drinks. The major reservoir of nontyphoidal salmonella is the gastrointestinal tract of infected, often asymptomatic, birds, mammals, and reptiles; chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, cows, pigs, and various pets, especially turtles, snakes, lizards, iguanas, and hedgehogs, are commonly infected. Washing and proper coking are important.

Food of animal origi: The principal reservoirs for salmonella include poultry, livestock, reptiles, and pets. Therefore, the major vehicle of transmission is food of animal origin, such as poultry, beef, eggs, and dairy products. Contact with infected reptile, e.g., pet turtle, is another mode of transmission.