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>