I have an 18 month old daughter, so I understand your concern. I always make sure I wash my hands carefully after handling any of my animals...just in case.

However, as a child I would pick up any snake I could find as well as old skins. (I remember Robbie busted on me for catching a Highland Water Mocassin and his grandfather came over with a shotgun.) I wouldn't care if the animal was venomous or not. If it was slithering by, I caught it...always careful of course. And I seriously doubt I ever washed my hands afterward. Salmonella was never a problem.

I guess what I'm trying to say is this: Be careful...but not obsessive.

Good Things,
Chris
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“Next time don't buy $10K worth of snakes out of the back of a van!” -- Toshamc

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