Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 5 red eared sliders (2 parents and 3 babies) in separate tanks. They were in my room where I sleep in, and now I moved one out. I've always heard that they spread Salmonella and cause Meningitis in humans. Recently I seemed to be warned more and more by pet stors to be careful (actually, to "get rid of them" was more the phrase they used). Is this that common? Should I really be afraid? Is there anything I can do to avoid these infections? Thanks

First off people at this pet store should be "gotten rid of". I never heard of methigintius (sp?) in turtles, I don't think that is true. Wash your hands with soap after you go in the turtle tank or handle your turtles and you will be fine. I have had turtles for 14yrs and I have never been sick from any of them. Never listen to pet stores, research for yourself first is my moto!

I never listened before, and I have had my turtles for about 5 years (the parents). But I did read about it and turtles do pass the bacterium to people even through the air (with no need to be touching them). I always wash my hand after handling them, but it's not like I use disinfectant. I try to keep their tanks clean as possible (Ofcourse I somethimes get lazy), but that's never enough I guess

I can remember playing with lizards, frogs, and turtles when I was 3 years old. My mother the Lysol Queen has made a big deal about germs ever since I can remember. Hand washing and not putting things in my mouth was always a big deal with her.

I kept green anoles, snakes, & baby RES for pets when I was a little kid. I've kept all sorts of reptiles and other pets all my life, I always wash my hands before & after handling them.
If you just do that, and don't put your fingers in your mouth, eyes, nose (keep your hands away from your face) while handling pets then wash your hands afterwards, there's nothing to fear. Don't kiss your reptiles like so many people do with their dogs, cats, birds, or whatever pets.

I have had a bout of Salmonella infection once in my life, it happened after eating bad chicken in a restaurant.
I've never ever gotten sick from handling an animal and I ain't no spring chicken.
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PHRatz

Agreed. If things get passed through the air I would have been DEAD a long time ago. With all the rehab I do on turtles and the gross conditions that many of the sick ones have I certainly think that if there was major cause for concern I would be have been the poster child for "THIS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!!" by now. Soap and water is the best preventative. Not to say it is impossible to contract diseases from them but for that matter it is not impossible to get things from any animal.

Where ever you read the tidbit about it being passed through the air is incorrect. It may be possible for droplets of water to be splashed onto your lips when you're near their tank without you knowing but the chance of that is slim to none. I wouldn't worry about it. Also, the turtles have to be carrying the salmonella bacteria in the first place for them to spread it so odds are, as long as you have kept them clean and don't feed them raw chicken, they are fine. And like the sayings goes, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Look at it this way, you will always be exposed to different pathogens from your pets but most of the time it doesn't affect you and when it does our immune system simply builds up a resistance to future infections. And about the meningitis thing, many different types of pathogens can cause meningitis but usually the person has to have a comprimised immune system for it to spread to the meninges. No worries mate!

Hello yes you can make sure that every time that you handl them to wash your hands. And allso make sure that thire tanks are very clean. And that will help to not spred the salmonella around. And it will keep you safe allso all reptiles have salmonella but you do not have to take them out of your room I have mine in my room. just make sure that you do what I am telling you to do and you will be okay. Holly

It is true all reptiles carry salmonella, but internally. We only contact it when cleaning up after them. Because turtles are practically living in their toilet, it is easier to get it from them but it is not airborn and soap and water works wonders.

ugh- i have had salmonella 3 times in my life. once in 10th grade, once when i was pregnant with my first son, and once about 3 months ago. its not pleasant by any means but i didnt freak out neither did my doctor. To people with normal, healthy immune systems, its not a big deal but say someone with advanced HIV or AIDS or perhaps a small child with cancer- it could potentially be deadly. I look at it this way- If you are healthy enough to be up and around, caring for them, playing with them, etc- if you get salmonella, you'll puke and poop funny colored stuff for about a week- eat a few tylenols or immodium and after a week or so- you'll be good as new.
Beth
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

It is NOT true that all reptiles carry Salmonella. All reptiles CAN carry Salmonella, but for that matter, ALL animals can carry Salmonella. Plants can carry Salmonella. Salmonella can be carried on anything, it is a matter of hygiene, not taxa. Keep your animals clean, practice proper hygiene, and there is nothing to worry about.

Salmonella can be cultured from virtually any sample of dirt on the planet according to some sources.
Don't buy into the hype.
Wash your hands.

I am careful about children, the eldery, etc. around all reptiles. Those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.

(Disclaimer- I am no doctor, just a loud mouth that loves reptiles- do your own research, come to your own conclusions)
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Ben Team
Mark Davis
New Paradigm Herpetoculture
Captive Bred Morelia
404-247-3544

Out here RES have become illegal to raise because they can pass diseases.... But so far my vet said he never heard of such a case. So great!

Just use all the precautions and yer fine. I have 7 turtles and a tortoise...i use the alcohol gel stuff to sanitize my hands and arms after handling them.