What is salmonella?

Bacteria: Salmonella is a bacterium that causes "salmonellosis" which involves diarrhea, fever, & abdominal cramping. It lasts about 4-7 days usually & people usually recover without any special treatment. Undercooked meats, poultry, eggs, unpasteurized milk, & the feces of animals including reptiles, chicks, ducklings are known risks to avoid. (chicks & ducklings can have it all over their fuzzy selves!).

Bacterial infection: Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and food poisoning. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea for 4-7 days. Usually antibiotics are not required; the infection must simply run its course. Poor kitchen hygiene and contaminated poultry are common causes. Lizards, snakes, turtles, and birds can harbor salmonella, so wash hands after handling these pets.

Mostly animals: Most strains are normal bowel flora in a variety of animals including turtles, chickens and cattle.

Salmonella: Salmonella may be found in the feces of infected organisms. It cab be in raw poultry ; meat as well as raw eggs and seafood. Some fruits ; vegetables may also have salmonella contamination. Touching infected reptiles ; birds can also lead to infection.