Salmonella and Your Pet

Even Healthy Reptiles Can Be Contagious

Thanks in part to the success of blockbuster movies like "Jurassic Park", more and more families are buying lizards, turtles, snakes and iguanas. In fact, reports indicate that 3 per cent of U.S. households now own a reptile. And the incidence of reptile-associated salmonella has increased accordingly.

In 1998 the Lee County Health Department reported 96 cases of salmonella infection in Lee County, and of these 10 were reptile related. "We’ve investigated several cases of salmonella where there were pet snakes or turtles in the home," reports Michele Savage, Nursing Program Specialist in the Health Department’s Disease Control office.

"Salmonella is caused by a bacteria transferred by the fecal-oral route, infecting the iintestines," explains Robert South, Ph.D., Health Department epidemiologist. Although salmonella outbreaks are most often associated with inadequately cooked or stored foods, infection through reptiles caused by improper hand washing still occurs. In fact, in 1975 the sale of small turtles was banned nationally when analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that a full 14% -- 280,000 cases -- of salmonella reported nationwide in 1971 were due to pet turtles.

"The CDC now advises that reptiles be kept totally out of homes with infants under 1 year of age or persons with weakened immune systems."

Children, who enjoy playing with and touching these pets, are often the victims, as are the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. In a study conducted in Philadelphia in 1995-1996, half of all reported salmonella cases occurred in children age 9 or under. The CDC now advises that reptiles be kept totally out of homes with infants under 1 year of age or persons with weakened immune systems.

Infected reptiles may otherwise appear healthy, but pass on the bacteria through their feces. Through the animal’s activities and litter, the bacteria can transfer to the animal’s skin, and on to humans.

Symptoms usually develop 6-72 hours after infection, and may include diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, fever, vomiting and dehydration, or fluid loss. The symptoms may vary from mild to severe, and last anywhere from 2 to 7 days. Most people get rid of the bacteria without any specific treatment, although drinking plenty of liquids such as soups, water and juices is recommended to prevent fluid loss.

"If I can stress one thing," says Michele Savage," it’s proper hand washing. If you have a reptile for a pet, always wash your hands after handling the animal or his habitat. Ideally, at the sink you should turn off the water using a paper towel instead of your bare hands."

Some information for this article provided by Family Practice News.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet, its food and anything it’s been in contact with.
• Keep your reptile in a designated area; don’t let him roam around the house.
• Keep your pet out of the kitchen or any food preparation area.

• Keep your reptile’s habitat clean and sanitized.

• Do not allow children under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems to handle reptiles.
  
• Children under 5 should handle reptiles only with adult supervision. Remind them to always wash their hands afterwards.