2003-2004 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Linked to Rodents Purchased at Pet Stores
Rodents(mice, rats, hamsters) shipped from an Iowa pet distributor to 15 pet stores in the midwestern USA were infected with an unusual strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, DT 120. Related human illnesses were identified in at least ten states involving at least fifteen persons. Known rodent exposures included mice/rats purchased to feed snakes (seven cases), pet mice/rats (four), and pet hamsters (two). The human and animal Salmonella isolates were uniformly resistant to certain antibiotics. Pet distributors in Georgia or Arkansas were the origen of most of the pet store rodents.
Tags:
group+b, s.+typhimurium, salmonella+typhimurium, salmonellosis, mice, hamster, rat, rodent, pet stores, petsOverview
| Outbreak began: | December 2003 |
|---|---|
| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | GA, IL, KY, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NC, PA, SC |
| Pathogen: | Salmonella Typhimurium |
| Vehicle(s): | Animal Contact |
| Location(s): | Pet Store |
| Molecular test results: | Phage type DT 120 |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 15 |
|---|---|
| Number hospitalized: | 6 |
Sources & documents
| Recall notices | ||
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| Report / reference links | ||