Salmonella infections across Canada linked to snakes and their rodent prey

The Public Health Agency of Canada has announced that ongoing salmonella outbreaks in eight provinces are linked to snakes and rodents used as bait.

As of March 19, there are 70 confirmed cases of Salmonella I and Salmonella Typhimurium infections reported in this outbreak in the following areas:

• British Columbia (3).
• Alberta (10).
• Saskatchewan (7).
• Manitoba (3).
• Ontario (32).
• Quebec (11).
• New Brunswick (1)
• Newfoundland and Labrador (3).

“Many of those who became ill reported direct or indirect contact with snakes or prey rodents (used as bait for reptiles) prior to onset of illness,” the agency said. stated in the release.

“Some of the people who became ill did not touch or handle the snakes or prey rodents themselves, and some lived in the same homes where the snakes and rodents were kept. ”

A common supplier of snakes and prey rodents has not yet been identified.

The spread of infection is a reminder Salmonella can be present in many animal species, including snakes and rodents.

“To prevent disease, it is recommended to practice good hand hygiene and frequent hand washing after contact with snakes, prey rodents, and their environments,” PHAC advised.

Both this investigation and past Salmonella outbreaks snakes and rodents He emphasized the role that reptile owners and managers can play in preventing emerging diseases associated with these types of pets.

In the latest outbreak, people had symptoms between February 2022 and February 2024. Ten people were hospitalized and one person died, with the cause of death confirmed to be salmonella. In this outbreak, the reporting period of illness is 4 to 6 weeks.

Never kiss your pet rodent and other tips

The investigation into the outbreak began last spring.

Using an method called whole-genome sequencing, researchers determined that some of the salmonellosis cases dating back to 2022 were caused by the same strain of the virus that caused the illnesses that occurred in 2023 and 2024.

Thirteen (19%) cases were in children 5 years of age or younger. Approximately half (53%) are women.

To prevent direct or indirect spread of germs to others, authorities advised:

• Always wash your hands immediately after touching reptiles or rodents and what they eat, or after entering areas where they live, play, or have been touched.
• Regularly clean surfaces and objects that reptiles and rodents touch with soapy water and a household disinfectant.
• Never kiss pet rodents or reptiles.
• Do not keep reptiles or rodents in homes, daycare centers, schools, or other facilities with children under 5 years of age.
• Always supervise children when handling or playing with reptiles and rodents.
  • Don't let reptiles or rodents or their supplies near your face or share food or drinks with your pet.
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching reptiles or rodents.
  • Children under 5 years of age should not handle reptiles or rodents.
• Do not clean or bathe reptiles or rodents in the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or bathtub.
• Do not store reptile or rodent food in the kitchen or in rooms where people eat or drink.
• Keep reptiles and rodents and all of their food, containers, enclosures, and any objects that may have been in the enclosure, such as plants or nutritional supplements, away from the kitchen and other food-making or eating areas.
• Do not store frozen rodents in the same refrigerator or freezer as human food.
• Freezing rodents will not kill salmonella.
• Always thaw and cook frozen rodents outside the kitchen using specialized equipment and containers.
• Be aware of your reptile's unique needs. Stress in reptiles can increase Salmonella shedding.
• Always keep reptiles and live rodents in habitats specifically designed for them.
• If you choose to keep a reptile or rodent in your home, especially if your family includes children under the age of 5, pregnant, immunocompromised individuals, or adults, you should seek medical attention for reptiles or rodents that are appropriate for your family. Consult your provider or veterinarian. 65 years of age or older

Symptoms of Salmonella include a sudden onset of headache, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.