Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently “voluntarily “ moved out all of my pet reptile to make way for our first born(son ). However, that is after we saw an article on the net that says there is a risk of salmonella infection to infant(up to 5 years old). What do you guys think of this?

That is mostly because infants constantly put things in their mouths. If the child doesn't handle the reptiles they should be just fine. If you do let them touch them then wash their hands afterwards. It's all mostly just common sense.

In a lot of localities it is illegal to sell turtles with a shell length under 4 inches. This was enacted because toddlers would put them in their mouths and some would get salmonella that way. I have 23 snakes and have kept various types of reptiles for years including the previous nine years (the age of my oldest). I have 3 kids and none have come down with salmonella. If you use sound husbandry practices (ie. keep things clean and don't let them put their hands in their mouths after touching reptiles) then your family should be fine.

I've had snakes since high school. (several years ago) I've had 2 children since then. We currently have: 14 snakes, 1 bearded dragon, 3 iguanas, 1 savannah monitor, and we get something new in every week. I only once got salmonella and I know exactly how i did it. I was wearing a glove to handle a not so nice snake that had just pooped his cage all to heck- very liquidy and he was covered in it- after i pulled the snake out, my husband cleaned the cage out and i was loosing my grip due to the gloves so i stuck the fingers in my mouth and pulled the glove off- snake poo in mouth- hello salmonella. makes me gag thinking about it. I was also 7 months pregnant at the time. I have a 2 yr old (the one i got salmonella while preg. with) and a 3 month old. I've never had a problem. we spray the floor with lysol if the snakes come out for an exercise night- and only after the kids are in bed. my 2 yr. old is just in the last month or so been allowed to touch snakes or lizards. but hes also just now gotten interested in them too.
anyway- i've never had a problem. I thought we were going to have to give everyone up but we didn't -
common sense and some sanitary practices is all you need.
-Beth
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

Thanks, guys. Man, I should have asked you guys before allowing myself to be talked into giving up those guys. They are coming back, though. Thanks, again.

The reptiles must be infected with Salmonella in order for anyone to get Salmonella. Its not as common as one would believe.
I have a 7 month old and He and I spend lots of time looking at our scaled friends...

All The Best
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Safari Tom
See'em Touch'em Save'em
www.SafariTom.com

Don't forget raw chicken, you'd have to give up all the chicken in your house, too!

Just kidding. Just echoing what everyone else has said. The USDA and CDC spend a lot of time investigating infections because it's their job. The risk of Salmonella infection is low, it's a concern because an infant, an elderly person, or someone with a compromised immune system could have a more serious reaction than the average adult.

All that is required is proper cleaning routines. If it were me, I would use Nolvasan or 10% bleach to disinfect cages on a regular basis, wash hands thoroughly after handling reptiles every time, and confine them to one area of the house. That's just to make sure.