Outbreaks of salmonellosis at elementary schools associated with dissection of owl pellets

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2005 Summer;5(2):133-6. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2005.5.133.

Abstract

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium outbreaks occurred at two elementary schools after science club students dissected owl pellets. Forty primary cases were identified (26 culture-confirmed). At the first school, pellets were dissected on a cafeteria table, concurrent with after-school child care in the cafeteria. Subsequently, the table was not sanitized before use by after-school care students for snack, or before the next school lunch. At the second school, pellets were dissected in a dedicated science room, and fewer cases occurred. Pellets in both outbreaks originated from a single captive barred owl. The outbreak pulsed-field gel electrophoresis subtype of S. Typhimurium was isolated from the owl's pellets and feces, and from four frozen chicks from a batch used to feed the owl.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
  • Feces / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Minnesota / epidemiology
  • Salmonella Infections / epidemiology
  • Salmonella Infections / transmission*
  • Salmonella typhimurium*
  • Strigiformes / microbiology*
  • Zoonoses