How do mice transmit salmonellosis? - briefly
«Mice excrete Salmonella in their feces, contaminating grain, feed, water and surfaces they traverse». «Human infection follows ingestion of contaminated food or water, or direct contact with rodent droppings or urine».
How do mice transmit salmonellosis? - in detail
Mice act as reservoirs for Salmonella species and spread the pathogen through several well‑defined pathways.
The principal route is fecal‑oral transmission. Infected rodents shed large numbers of bacteria in their droppings, which contaminate stored grain, pet food, pantry items and kitchen surfaces. Subsequent ingestion of contaminated material by humans or other animals results in infection.
A secondary route involves direct contact with contaminated fur or paws. When mice move across food preparation areas, they deposit bacterial cells that can be transferred to hands, utensils or cooking equipment.
Environmental contamination provides a third pathway. Burrows, nests and droppings create reservoirs of Salmonella in soil and dust. Airborne particles generated during cleaning or disturbance of infested areas can be inhaled or settle on food, facilitating transmission.
Water sources become compromised when mice gain access to containers or pipes. Bacterial shedding into standing water supplies creates a vehicle for ingestion.
Transmission dynamics are amplified by the following factors:
- High bacterial load in rodent feces (up to 10⁸ CFU per gram).
- Frequent foraging behavior that brings mice into close proximity with human food stores.
- Ability of Salmonella to survive for weeks in dry environments, enhancing persistence on surfaces.
- Lack of effective barriers in poorly sealed storage facilities, allowing rodent ingress.
Control measures focus on eliminating rodent access, maintaining strict sanitation, and regularly monitoring food and water supplies for contamination. Prompt removal of droppings, sealing entry points, and employing traps or bait stations reduce the risk of pathogen spread.