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.


  1. Salmonella does not normally cause disease in reptiles or birds.
  2. Salmonella can exist as part of the normal gut flora in reps and birds. How common is it?
  3. 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?
  4. Salmonella DOES cause disease in humans.
  5. Does Salmonella cause disease in household pets?
  6. Salmonella can be contracted via the fecal/oral route. Can it cause disease through wounds and other orifaces?
  7. 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?
  8. 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?