Habitat

Salmonella can live in a variety of habitats. Some strains of salmonella live in water, soil, food plants, and feces of contaminated humans. Salmonella is present in chicken and chicken produce, unpasteurized milk, ground meat, and fish, as well. Generally the bacteria is able to access those places through cross contamination of already infected organisms or feces. When present in water, salmonella can live for several weeks; in soil the bacteria can live up to several years, while in feces the bacteria may only survive a few days. The bacteria can survive in salt water and cooler environments, but a too hot of an environment may kill the bacteria. This is why cooking food thoroughly can prevent salmonella poisoning.

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