Salmonella and reptiles
By Mark Chapple
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is the name given to a number of bacteria commonly associated with
food poisoning from contaminated or undercooked foods. In food-related cases,
most people suffer from gastroenteritis, often experiencing vomiting, fever,
diarrhea, and cramps.
In a case reported by the New York Health Department in 1995, a pregnant woman with fever and diarrhea went into preterm labor and delivered a baby who died 12 hours later. Follow-up blood samples of mother and child, in conjunction with samples from the family's pet iguana, tested positive for the salmonella strain associated with reptiles.
Like most other reptiles, iguanas carry salmonella in their intestinal tracts. The bacteria are 'shed' periodically in the animals' feces, and other materials they touch.
Good hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of salmonella.
"Wash your hands with warm, soapy water immediately after handling iguanas or any reptiles and their cage litter, and before touching food or anyone else. It is now known that the bacteria need only be present on surfaces or on the hands of others to infect individuals indirectly.
In one recent case, 20 patients were diagnosed with the disease within eight days of visiting a Komodo dragon exhibit at a Colorado zoo. Zoo officials believe that the dragons had licked several handrails at the zoo while being moved to their cages. Those areas were then touched by zoo visitors who subsequently ate lunch without washing their hands.
Why are you picking on reptiles?
Almost ALL pet species -- not just reptiles, but cats and dogs as well -- can
carry some form of Salmonella bacteria. However, because more people are
buying reptile pets and many do not understand how to keep reptiles, there
has been an increase in the incidence of the disease caused by reptiles.
Most of these cases would have been prevented with a few simple guidelines.
Iguanas and other reptiles typically do not show signs of the disease. In the process of handling these animals, cleaning their food dishes, or cleaning their cage, fecal material (even in small amounts) may be transferred to human hands, or the mouth, resulting in a human infection.
Symptoms of salmonellosis, the disease caused by Salmonella, vary widely. There may be mild abdominal pain, nausea or cramps, or more severe signs such as diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Occasionally the symptoms can be very serious, including meningitis, especially in very young children. It is much better to prevent infection in people, than to prevent and control infection in reptiles.
Animals should only be purchased from reputable sources and all animals should be quarantined until they can be checked by a veterinarian. Salmonella is difficult to culture, even with repeated fecal tests. It would be safest to just assume that most reptiles have Salmonella and to always practice good hygiene with all reptile species.
Handlers and owners of reptiles should follow some basic rules.
Hygiene Guidelines for Reptile Owners
1. Always wash hands with hot, soapy water after handling any reptile, and its cage or accessories.
2. Always supervise children handling reptiles. Make sure they wash hands properly after handling. Do not allow them to put any reptile in or around their mouth.
3. Maintain reptiles in areas away from food preparation, serving areas, and young children’s rooms.
4. Never use a kitchen sink to wash reptiles, cages or dishes. Excess food or cage substrate should be thrown in the garbage or flushed down the toilet.
5. Always wear gloves when cleaning reptile cages and always use a disinfectant for cleaning.
6. Keep other pets away from reptile cages.
7. Never kiss a reptile. Never eat, drink or smoke when handling a reptile.
8. Use special caution with reptiles around infants and individuals who may be immune-compromised.
9. Always feed a high quality, clean, and uncontaminated food source to reptiles. Maintain reptiles in a clean, safe and comfortable environment.
10. Have reptiles frequently examined by a veterinarian.
So are reptile pets dangerous for me or my family?
No! Following good hygiene practices will prevent any problems for the majority
of reptile owners. Remember to follow these simple procedures to ensure you
and your animals remain healthy.
Mark Chapple is the Author of "How to build
enclosures for reptiles"
Find out how to build these cages as well as arboreal cages. Full color pictures,
detailed diagrams and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com
Mark Chapple is the Author of "How to build enclosures
for reptiles"
Find out how to build these cages as well as arboreal cages. Full color pictures,
detailed diagrams and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com