People most often get a Salmonella infection by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. It is important to remember that contaminated foods can look and smell normal. Any food, including vegetables, may be contaminated, but foods that are most commonly contaminated with Salmonella are:

• Beef
• Poultry
• Milk
• Eggs

Salmonella may also be found in the feces of animals including:

• Pets and livestock
• Chicks and young birds, pet birds such as parakeets
• Reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes
• Rodents such as mice, hamsters and guinea pigs
• Salmonella can also be found in some pet foods and pet treats.

• Salmonella germs can be spread by an infected person who did not wash their hands with soap after using the bathroom.
• Salmonella can also be spread from person-to-person in places like childcare facilities, residential living facilities such as nursing homes or group homes, and through certain types fo seual contact (e.g., oral-anal contact).