Norway links Salmonella cases to animal contact

Authorities in Norway are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to contact with birds and cats.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) said it has seen an increase in the number of people infected with Salmonella Typhimurium in recent months.

Some sick people belong to an outbreak where contact with small birds or cats is the likely source of infection. Eight cases said they had been around cats or small birds in the period before becoming ill.

Salmonella with the same genetic profile has been found in 10 people. They became ill between March and June. Patients range in age from under 1 to 69 years old and several are children.

Bacteria with a similar genetic profile has been detected in samples from one cat and has previously been found in small birds. Cats become infected by catching and eating small birds that are carrying Salmonella. Around a bird tray, there is a lot of close contact between many animals, and feces from infectious birds can contaminate food on the tray and on the ground.

“Salmonella is excreted in the animals’ feces and to prevent infection to humans it is important to wash your hands after all contact with small birds and cats,” said Umaer Naseer, from FHI.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) and the Veterinary Institute also published advice including avoid being licked in the face by pets and ensure good hand hygiene after handling animals and after being outside in the garden.

In May, the Veterinary Institute reported it had detected Salmonella Typhimurium in samples from more than 100 cats.

Earlier this year, FHI said the number of Salmonella Typhimurium infections had increased in recent months with 33 cases recorded in 2024.

Patients lived all over the country and came from all age groups. Most were thought to have been infected in Norway and were not travel-related.

In 2023, Norway had three Salmonella outbreaks that affected 14 people.

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