A widespread outbreak of salmonellosis is ongoing in all four countries of the United Kingdom, attributed to contact with infected mice purchased to feed reptiles.

The supplier of mice, Monkfield Nutrition, is apparently the source of infection with the Salmonella serotypes not yet disclosed.  Salmonella including S. Typhimurium and other serotypes are frequently isolated from reptiles. Feeder rodents have been implicated in infecting owners of reptiles in the U.S. and Canada. 

The digestive tracts of snakes, iguanas, turtles, and lizards are frequently colonized with Salmonella that is shed in the environment and represents a potential danger to members of the household, especially children.  Infected mice fed to snakes may increase the level of infection and the possible range of Salmonella serotypes of zoonotic significance.