Use the `defaultValue` or `value` props on <select> instead of setting `selected` on <option>.
<select defaultValue={'DEFAULT'} >
<option value="DEFAULT" disabled>Choose a salutation ...</option>
<option value="1">Mr</option>
<option value="2">Mrs</option>
<option value="3">Ms</option>
<option value="4">Miss</option>
<option value="5">Dr</option>
</select>