Reptile Owners and Salmonella Infection Risks
Last
year, a number of birds (finches) in Canaan were found to
be carrying the bacterial infection Salmonella. In addition
to birds many other animal species, including reptiles, are
capable of harboring and transmitting Salmonella infections.
Keeping
any pet can potentially pose a variety of health risks regardless
of whether that pet is a dog, cat, bird, or reptile. While
occurring in far fewer instances than dog bites, or other
pet related injuries and illnesses, reptile associated salmonellosis
does pose a risk to anyone that keeps or handles reptiles.
Reptiles
have become increasingly popular pets in this country, and
increased ownership has led to a marked increase in the number
of reported cases of reptile associated salmonellosis. Approximately
50,000 cases are reported annually in the United States.
During
the early 1970's, small pet turtles were an important source
of Salmonella infection. In 1975, the Food and Drug Administration
prohibited the distribution and sale of turtles less than
four inches in length. This measure resulted in the prevention
of an estimated 100,000 cases of salmonellosis annually.
However, since 1986, the popularity of iguanas and other
reptiles that can transmit infection to humans has been paralleled
by an increased incidence of reptile associated Salmonella
infections.
Salmonella is a bacterium widely distributed in nature. It may be found
in the intestinal tract of many species including reptiles,
which may harbor the bacteria without sign of disease. When
humans are infected symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting
and cramps. In infants and the elderly, salmonellosis can
be a serious infection causing hospitalization, dehydration,
and in extreme cases, death.
A high proportion of reptiles, more than 90%, are asymptomatic
carriers of Salmonella. Attempts to eliminate Salmonella
in reptiles with antibiotics have been unsuccessful and have
led to increased antibiotic resistance.
If you own or have contact with a pet reptile, by following
the recommendations below you should dramatically decrease
the risk of infection to yourself and your family.
 After
handling any reptile, be sure to wash hands with soap and
water for at least 30 seconds.
Disinfectant
lotion should be used if reptiles are handled in locations
where handwashing facilities are absent.
Pet
reptiles should be kept out of households where children
aged less than 5 years, or immunocompromised persons, live.
Families expecting a new child should remove a pet reptile
from the home before the infant arrives.
Pet
reptiles should not be kept in childcare centers. - Pet reptiles
should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home
or living area.
Pet
reptiles should be kept out of kitchens and other food-preparation
areas to prevent contamination. Kitchen sinks should not
be used to bathe reptiles or to wash their dishes, cages,
or aquariums. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they
should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.
Unsupervised
handling of reptiles by children under the age of 12 is not
recommended. With proper precautions and handling, reptiles
can be unique and interesting pets.
For further information regarding reptile associated salmonellosis
contact the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov,
or call the Columbia County Department of Health at (518)
828-3358.
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