Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica that is common in warm-blooded vertebrates.

Reptiles and many other animals can carry the bacteria without exhibiting any signs of illness. In birds, salmonellosis is most commonly seen in wild songbirds during the winter months, when the bacteria is spread through the sharing of bird feeders.

CLINICAL SYMPTOMS in birds include ruffled feathers, diarrhea, lethargy, plaques in the mouth and crop, and general signs of illness. In severe cases, bird feeder-associated outbreaks can cause high mortality rates across large geographic areas.

The bacteria is intermittently shed in the feces of infected animals, and the TRANSMISSION of infection is fecal-oral, although infection through the upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes of the eye has also been reported. People and domestic animals can become infected through contact with infected songbirds, which can shed salmonella intermittently into the environment.

DIAGNOSIS of salmonellosis depends on clinical signs and isolation of the bacteria from feces, blood, or tissues of affected animals.

Early TREATMENT is crucial for septicemic salmonellosis; however, there is controversy over the use of drugs for intestinal salmonella, as oral administration of antimicrobials may alter the protective natural gut flora. During outbreaks, removing bird feeders and seed waste can help reduce songbird transmission. Common sense hygiene practices, like handwashing and avoiding eating, drinking, or personal care while handling animals or contaminated equipment, can protect humans from infection.