All reptiles can carry salmonella. The most notorious for this are the turtles and tortoises. The turtle farms have taken great precautions in the last twenty years to ensure that their hatchlings are salmonella-free. The eggs are treated and the overall sanitary conditions of the farms have improved greatly which, in turn, promotes healthier hatchlings. With the advancements in preventative techniques, even the hobby breeder can produce salmonella-free animals.

I have been working with turtles and tortoises for over 30 years and have never contracted salmonella nor has anyone that I know. You stand a greater chance of getting salmonella from chicken or mayonnaise than from your pet reptile. Here are a few preventative measures that should be taken to ensure that salmonella is not transmitted to humans:

-Sanitary conditions must be maintained in the enclosure at all times. Water in

drinking bowls and in aquariums must be changed regularly and disinfected. Dirty

water promotes the growth of the salmonella bacteria.

-Personal hygiene is also very important. Wash hands with a good antibacterial

soap after handling any reptile or their enclosure. 

-Do not let children handle any reptile without supervision. Make sure they do not

put the animal or their hands near their face and make sure that they use an

antibacterial soap to wash with after handling.

-Always assume that the animal may be infected with salmonella.

-Do not keep your reptile in or near food preparation areas or clean their water

bowls or such in the kitchen sink.

-Any person with increased risk of infection should avoid contact with any

reptiles (e.g., children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, anyone with

immuno-compromised conditions )

In the event that you think you may be infected, seek medical attention immediately.

Written By : Greg Martin

www.martinsworldexotics.com