This doesn't help our cause any. However, this provides more impact on the Aquarium Hobby as their next victim.

In addition to keeping our beloved Boids and Pythons, I have actively been involved in the aquarium trade from the Retail Side for the past 15 years as well as being involved with the fish hobby for about 25 years now (I'm currently 42). On average, my hands are in Fish Tank water from 1 to 2 hours on a daily basis. I manage a fairly large fish department in the local pet store and have done so for the past 7 years. I even had about 65 species of breeder African Cichlids in my basement for two years straight. I had approximately 75 tanks running (about 2,000 gallons) with breeder's, fry and grow out fish. Not once have I ever contracted Salmonella. This is saying a lot since I regularly get cuts and scrapes on my hands and even pick out dead fish bare handed. (OK, I know it's not best practice).



The Pod Cast clearly makes a play against the aquarium hobby as if all aquariums carry the Salmonella bacteria. While I do agree that an improperly maintained aquarium has the potential to carry the bacteria (especially if you have fish dying in the tanks and not being removed promptly), you are more likely to contract the bacteria from food (salads, fish, poultry) that was improperly prepared.



The HSUS is clearly trying to link the African Clawed and Dwarf Aquatic frogs to the bacteria in the fish tanks. These frogs may be a bit more likely of contracting and passing the bacteria due to improper tank temperatures. The standard temperature for most fresh water aquariums is between 75 and 78 degrees. Unfortunately, all aquariums are subjected to improper temperatures on a regular basis. When you throw the frogs into the mix and they are not allowed to properly digest their foods due to lower than optimal temps, you elevate the possibility that they could contract and carry/pass on the bacteria through their waste.



I don't know if anyone remembers a few years back when the drug stores (Walgreen's, CVS, etc.) were carrying the "AQUABABIES" Cubes. I remember seeing many of these that had Dwarf Aquatic Frogs in them. I said back then that was not a good idea. Unfortunately, I doubt very much that the person that came up with that idea was ever scrutinized by the HSUS for their idea to sell the frogs in that manner. I also doubt that that sells gimmick was ever passed by anyone that knows anything about reptiles before they tried to cash in.



In the store, we sell Newts and Dwarf frogs along with our multitude of fish (we are the experts in our locality). I have always instructed my clients on the possibilities of the Salmonella bacteria when they purchase the frogs and the proper care and methods of avoiding Salmonella. Remember that the key here is properly maintained systems and correct temperatures.



With all that in mind, I ran across an article from October 2008 in which the HSUS states that "Reptiles carry Salmonella". They didn't say "may" or "could" but implied that all reptiles carry the bacteria. Someone in the HSUS organization is very misguided and ill-informed.

See: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/reptiles/205-woman-s-death-leads-to-calls-for-python-regulations.htm



Some of my first Boa's that I kept were Amazon Tree boas, Emerald Tree Boas and Green Tree Pythons. In my attempt to do them right, I did my research and found that while the potential for snakes to carry the bacteria exists (especially with the arboreal, bird eating species), proper husbandry techniques and optimal basking site temperatures would minimize any risk of contracting the bacteria in the first place. Further personal use of a good anti-bacterial soap and good washing techniques go the rest of the way.



CCR

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