We've got a baby on the way, and reading the salmonella story on the KS news border got me thinking. I'll preface my question with saying that I am a university trained biologist with a masters degree. I have studied microbiology as well as all the other "Typical" biology/zoology/chemistry that goes with a college biology program. I have always been very aware of salmonella as a part of many reptiles' natural gut flora, and I have always been extremely careful with thorough handwashing and all the regular precautions.

Reading the article about how easy it is for babies to pick up salmonella has me pondering how to keep our baby safe. In the article, it describe one baby who contracted salmonella from her father. He had a boa draped around his neck at some point during the day, came home and held his child who picked up the bug just from this limited type of contact.

We will be moving into a new house prior to the birth of our son in July. We will have a seperate snake room, with its own sink. I plan to keep a pair of slippers in the snake room, to keep from transfering any possible germs to the carpets where the baby may play.

What other precautions have some of you taken? What other precautions have you thought about taking? Any of you have horror stories? Any of you had several children that have never gotten sick? If so, can you describe your sanitation regime?

Any other thoughts or comments?

Obviously, I intend to continue working with my animals....As a first time father though, everything scares me. Babies I've seen in the past simply cant keep their hands out of their mouths, so how can we keep them from picking up not only salmonella but any other pathogen around the house.

Thanks for any and all input!

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