Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content

Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Linked to Frozen Feeder Rodents (Final Update)

Posted June 20, 2014 1:30 PM ET

This outbreak appears to be over. However, contact with both live and frozen feeder rodents can be a source of human Salmonella infections. You should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching frozen or live feeder rodents.

  • Read the Advice to Pet Owners »
  • A total of 41 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium were reported from 21 states since January 11, 2014.
    • 16% of ill persons were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.
  • Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback findings linked this outbreak of Salmonella infections to contact with frozen feeder rodents packaged by Reptile Industries, Inc.
    • Feeder rodents may include mice, rats, or other rodents of different sizes and ages. Feeder rodents are used to feed some pet reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey.
  • FDA advises pet owners who have Reptile Industries Inc.’s Arctic Mice brand frozen rodents purchased from PetSmart from January 11, 2014 through May 21, 2014, to dispose of the product by placing it in a sealed container in the trash so that no children, pets, or other animals, such as wildlife, may be able to reach it.

  • This outbreak appears to be over as the number of reported infections has returned to baseline levels. However, contact with both live and frozen feeder rodents can be a source of human Salmonella infections. You should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching frozen or live feeder rodents.

Outbreak Summary