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Hamsters & Salmonella

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Hamsters may carry and transmit 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.

  1. Salmonella in Hamsters

    • Hamsters have been known to develop salmonella infections, including some strains that are resistant to antibiotics.

    Food Transmission

    • 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

    • Newborn hamsters may be born with salmonella if the mother is infected during pregnancy.

    Symptoms

    • 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

    • A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine discovered a link between hamsters and cases of salmonella infection in humans.

    Prevention

    • Washing all fruits and vegetables fed to hamsters is the best way to prevent salmonella.

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References

  • Photo Credit hamster russe perle image by Eric Isselée from Fotolia.com

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