Salmonellosis

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Several species of the bacterium Salmonella can cause serious

intestinal disease (salmonellosis) in hamsters under certain

circumstances.  Salmonellosis is transmissible to and equally

serious in people.



The bacterium is usually acquired by eating food contaminated

with the organism.  Pet hamsters established in homes would most

likely become infected via this route.  For this reason, fresh

fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed before they are

offered to hamsters.  Newly purchased pet hamsters may harbor the

Salmonella organism, having acquired it from the colony into

which they were born.



Salmonellosis in hamsters may manifest itself as sudden illness

that often is fatal or as a more long-standing disease that

causes weight loss.



Salmonellosis can be diagnosed on stool culture by a

veterinarian.  Antibiotic treatment of the disease may or may not

be recommended by the veterinarian, depending upon the public

health implications.  Euthanasia (putting the patient to sleep)

would be recommended if treatment is not undertaken.