Salmonella Symptoms in Animals

Humans are not the only creatures that can catch Salmonella, a bacterial infection usually caused by food poisoning. All sorts of animals, from mammals and reptiles to avian species, can contract the disease and can spread it to humans through feces. Knowing the symptoms is the first step toward keeping your pet, and your family, safe. For any animal, if symptoms are present, seek the aid of a veterinarian for treatment.

  1. Mammals

    • For mammals, the symptoms are not dissimilar to those found in humans with the disease. Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting. The diarrhea, or normal stool, may contain blood or mucus. Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to weight loss and dehydration. Like a human with the disease, a pet's lymph nodes may be swollen as well.

    Birds

    • Birds are often carriers of Salmonella. The symptoms of the disease in avian species are also marked by lethargy and droppings that are colored with mucus or blood. Weight loss is common, as well as puffed-up feathers, shivering and loss of coordination. Eyes will also swell shut.

    Reptiles

    • Almost all reptiles and amphibians, from turtles to frogs, carry Salmonella in their intestinal tracts. While they do not often contract the disease, they are a known risk factor for humans to develop the disease. That is because Salmonella is often found in the feces of these animals. While they make good pets, washing your hands after handling a reptile or amphibian is important for continued health.