Pet Reptiles and Salmonella

Pet Reptiles and Salmonella

Pet Reptiles and Salmonella

In 2003, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report linking salmonella to reptiles estimating approximately 74,000 cases of Salmonella per year directly or indirectly related to contact with reptiles. The report implicated not only reptiles but also amphibians such as frogs, newts and salamanders, making these creatures unsuitable for households with children younger than 5. People with weak immune systems shouldn't keep these animals as pets either.

While many animals can harbor the Salmonella bacteria, such as poultry, pigs and cattle, as many as 90% of reptiles are natural carriers of the disease. Reptiles can harbor reptile specific strains of Salmonella without exhibiting any symptoms.

This problem is not a new one and the link between Salmonellosis and reptiles has been known for a while. In 1975 the Food and Drug Administration banned the distribution of turtles less than 4 inches in size. This action served to reduce the incidence of Salmonella for a while but due to the increasing popularity of lizards and amphibians as pets, the disease has been surging again.

Salmonella can be contracted by both direct and indirect handling of reptiles. Handling surfaces contaminated with reptile equipment or feces can lead to catching the disease. Salmonella is a serious and sometimes fatal disease especially in young children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems so consideration should be taken before acquiring a reptile as a pet.

If you do decide to get a reptile despite potential exposure to Salmonella there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of contracting the disease:

Don't buy a lizard if you have a child younger than 5 or an individual who has a compromised immune system in your household.

Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly each time you handle your lizard or any of its equipment.

Never allow your pet reptile or amphibian to roam free in a living or kitchen area.

Never wash your reptile's equipment in the kitchen sink. Disinfect any sink or tub that has been used to clean reptile equipment with a bleach solution.

If you follow these simple rules, you should be able to enjoy your pet reptile or amphibian safely. Always practice common sense when handling your pet. As long as you are an aware and responsible lizard owner, there is no reason why you shouldn't keep these fascinating and interesting creatures!

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