How do people become infected with salmonella?
More than 95% of salmonella infections are transmitted by the consumption of foods contaminated with the bacteria. Salmonella bacteria live in the intestinal tracts of many animals, including cattle and poultry, wild animals, and pets. The bacterium is often found in these animals’ feces. Salmonella are usually transmitted to humans who unknowingly consume food contaminated with the feces. Food may also become contaminated when someone infected with salmonella handles or prepares food for someone else.
