Salmonella bacteria are shed in animal feces.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not sure
• D. Only in certain species

Answer: (B)

Salmonella are intestinal bacteria that are shed in animal feces. Infected or colonized animals excrete the bacteria in their stool, and this fecal shedding is the primary route by which Salmonella spreads in the environment and to other animals or people. Importantly, animals can shed Salmonella even if they look healthy, meaning asymptomatic carriers contribute to the transmission cycle. Because shedding occurs broadly across many species (with variation in amount and duration), the statement is true. Saying it occurs only in certain species or that it isn’t shed in feces wouldn’t fit the general transmission pattern of Salmonella.