So up until recently I was under the misconception that salmonella was part of the normal flora of most if not all reptiles and birds... this is not the case as I understand it now, but I still don't know as much as I would like to so I have some statements and questions I am hoping someone can correct, verify, or answer.
- Salmonella does not normally cause disease in reptiles or birds.
- Salmonella can exist as part of the normal gut flora in reps and birds. How common is it?
- Are there any effects (positive/negative) of a reptile/bird that harbors salmonella? Can you tell without micro techniques if your reptile/bird is carrying it?
- Salmonella DOES cause disease in humans.
- Does Salmonella cause disease in household pets?
- Salmonella can be contracted via the fecal/oral route. Can it cause disease through wounds and other orifaces?
- Can Salmonella be transmitted via fomites? I.E. If my snake crawls on my remote or bed and carries salmonella, are these items now potentially a source of infection?
- And finally one slightly off-topic question, do I need to be concerned about exposing my snakes to isopropyl alcohol that may not have completely evaporated from applying hand-sanitizer?