Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,

Everybody, I need some help. My school (boarding school) is trying to take away my hatchling snapping turtles, and are forcing me to take them home citing theyhave potential for salmonella. I know this is true, but over exaggerated. They will let me know whether or not I can keep them soon, but I need to coem up with an argument in case they rule that I cannot have them at school. Is there any thing you guys can help me with? ANy helpful facts? Sites? I've read dogs carry more potential for diseases. This whole Zoonosis thing. Basicallly, I am asking you guys to help me find a way to keep my turtles around with me at school. THis is urgent, so repond with any help. THanks

-Drew

Salmonella from turtles is possible only if someone handles a turtle or equipment that the turtle or its water has touched and then touches their face getting the bacteria in their mouth. Salmonella can be carried in the turtle's digestive tract so getting feces in your mouth is basically how contamination occurs. Turtles defecate in their water so their water and equipment can be infected that way. Washing hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap after handling any of the above is the best prevention. Education of the public about transmission and prevention is necessary. If the people around your turtles can't be trusted to either not touch your turtles or wash their hands after touching your turtles, then the danger of contamination exists. You must disinfect sinks and tubs after dumping turtle water in them. A bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water is a good cheap disinfectant. Treating Salmonella in turtles has not proven to be effective and is usually not done. For an informative article see the link below. I have another article on Salmonella that I can send you if you email me a request at: anitap@caldata.com
Put "Salmonella article request" in the subject line.
Salmonella Infection Risks and Reptile Owners

Salmonellosisisisss whatever..IS OVERBLOWN!
how lame
You can NOT contract Salmonella unless you eat the turtle's doodie or lick the animal. Im mean it's actually hard to get. I know this is gross but I use my mouth to start the siphon..I took a mouthful and spit it out...never got sick and I'm fine. This was like 2 mos ago or so...or i have a resistance I dunno...

As long as you practice good hygiene, wash yer hands or use the antiseptic gel and don't do what I did..yer fine.