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Salmonella in Hamsters
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Hamsters have been known to develop salmonella infections, including some strains that are resistant to antibiotics.
Food Transmission
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Generally speaking, hamsters get salmonella from eating infected fruits and vegetables. Food transmission is also a common cause of salmonella infections in humans.
Infection in Newborns
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Newborn hamsters may be born with salmonella if the mother is infected during pregnancy.
Symptoms
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Common symptoms in hamsters include diarrhea, lethargy and irritability. Take pet hamsters to the vet at the first signs of salmonella for antibiotic treatment.
Transmission from Hamster to Humans
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A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine discovered a link between hamsters and cases of salmonella infection in humans.
Prevention
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Washing all fruits and vegetables fed to hamsters is the best way to prevent salmonella.
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Hamsters & Salmonella
Like humans, hamsters can become infected with salmonella through eating unwashed foods. It may be possible for hamsters to transmit the infection to the people who handle them.