Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know reptiles have always been a popular scapegoat for almost any problem because they're not a popular animal (milk snakes, for example, got their name because farmers used to think they "suck the milk out of cows" ).

Likewise, ever since the 70s reptiles have been labled as salmonella carriers. I've heard both sides on this debate. One one side, every reptile carries the salmonella bacteria and you will automatically get it if you touch a reptile. On the other side, the salmonella scare in reptiles is blamed on poor feeding techniques (like throwing raw chicken or ground beef in for your herps to eat) and well-mainted herps are virus-free.

So what do you think? Is the Salmonella Virus in reptiles still a real threat? If so, how can it be avoided?

I'd love to hear some opinions on this one. Thanks everyone.
-----
Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
Find out how YOU can get involved in reptile rescue...
www.forgottenfriend.org

Salmonella is common in reptiles, transfer to humans is uncommon and due to poor husbandry, handling. Salmonella in transfered to humans through oral contact with feces. Cases have occured were young children have contracted it after placing baby turtles, and iguanas in their mouth, thus most states have laws regarding the sale of turtles under 4 1/2 inches. Personally I feel that if you are in the habit of sticking your fingers/turtles in your mouth without washing them first then you are certain to have health issues, salmonella or otherwise.

Is the Salmonella Virus in reptiles still a real threat? If so, how can it be avoided?

First off, Salmonella is a genus of bacterium, not a virus.

There are quite a few documented cases of salmonellosis from reptile contact. Below I have attached a link to a few documented examples (but, of course, most examples get overlooked and undocumented). I'm sure many a reptile keeper has blamed a serious bout of diarrhea on "something I ate" when in fact, it may have been a case of reptile induced salmonellosis.

The best prevention against accidental contamination is to wash your hands thoroughly after handling or dealing with your reptiles. If you treat your reptiles and their associated materials like they are dirty, you are less likely to make yourself sick.
Recent reptile related Salmonellosis stats from th

-----
Chris Harrison

Thanks Chris, great info.
-----
Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
Find out how YOU can get involved in reptile rescue...
www.forgottenfriend.org

The truth is that Dogs, cats, birds and especially kids...Namely EVERYTHING transports the disease. Singling out a single type of animal, is basically an exersize in predjudice.

It's an example of selective truth telling and omission.

Frank
-----
"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."