| I'll bet you didn't know that lizards and turtles can | | | | or persons with weak immune systems should think |
| carry harmful bacteria called Salmonella. | | | | twice about having pet reptiles. |
| I love reptiles and I bet you do too (or you probably | | | | Bacteria, including Salmonella, are easily passed from |
| would not be reading this article!). You may have | | | | pet reptiles to people. Research by the Center for |
| noticed that reptiles are becoming more and more | | | | Disease Control shows that a person who handles |
| popular as family pets. Reptiles such as turtles, | | | | reptiles can easily pass germs to others because |
| iguanas, snakes, geckos, horned toads, and | | | | bacteria are able to cling to skin, clothing and other |
| chameleons can make great pets because they are | | | | surfaces. To reduce the chances of getting sick with |
| fascinating, quiet, don't require daily feeding/walking, | | | | salmonellosis by handling reptiles, here are some tips |
| and can be kept in a cage with relatively very little | | | | to follow as a reptile pet owner: |
| fuss. However, there is a cautionary note folks need | | | | - Wash hands with soap and water immediately after |
| to be aware of when taking on a reptile for a pet. | | | | handling a reptile; Launder any clothing the reptile |
| Reptiles sometimes carry a bacteria called Salmonella | | | | might have touched |
| that can cause serious illness in people. | | | | - Do not allow reptiles to roam the house freely |
| Although many people think of salmonellosis as an | | | | - Keep reptiles out of the kitchen |
| illness caused by contaminated food, it can also be | | | | - Use soap or a disinfectant to thoroughly clean any |
| caught by handling a pet reptile or contact with its | | | | surfaces that have been in contact with reptiles. |
| environment. The trick is that you can't tell by looking | | | | Another thing to keep in mind is that it is illegal in the |
| at a lizard, snake, or a turtle if it is carrying Salmonella. | | | | United States to sell or distribute turtles with shells |
| You see, Salmonella occurs naturally in many reptiles | | | | that measure less than 4 inches in length. This size |
| and the bacteria doesn't usually make the animals | | | | was chosen because some small children treat smaller |
| sick. | | | | turtles as toys and put them in their mouths. Yuk! |
| If you have ever had about it, you most likely won't | | | | Despite this ban, these small turtles can still be found |
| ever forget it. Salmonellosis is a serious infection of | | | | in some pet stores. |
| the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea is the most | | | | Of course, children will still catch wild turtles and |
| common symptom of Salmonella infection, but other | | | | lizards and bring them home to keep as pets, which |
| symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and | | | | is what kids are supposed to do. Just keep in mind, |
| vomiting can also occur. It can sometimes be | | | | whether store-bought or caught in a friend's |
| extremely serious and even fatal for young children, | | | | backyard, a reptile can carry Salmonella and might not |
| the elderly, and persons with weak immune systems. | | | | be the best choice of a pet for your family, |
| Salmonellosis is not to be taken lightly. For that | | | | especially if there are young children or persons with |
| reason, families with children aged 5 years or younger | | | | compromised immune systems in the household. |