Salmonella

So, I've been wondering. Is salmonella a big problem in captive bred reptiles? I only wash my hands when I feel like it after touching my reptiles. I've have many other pets (in my signature) and I've rarely get sick. I just want to get peoples opinions on it.

Many a man has kissed a reptile (and in my case, licked) and not received salmonella. I think it's comparable to handling raw eggs and meat patties.

I have kissed all of my reptiles, even though I probably shouldn't, and have never gotten sick. I haven't really heard of many people catching things like salmonella from their pet reptiles. It is much more common to get it from something like...chicken or peanut butter...lol.

It is always possible, but very rare.

You have more of a chance of getting salmonella from spinach than you do from a reptile


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People make it seem like just touching a reptile and not washing your hands will kill you lol

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Originally Posted by Doggey75

People make it seem like just touching a reptile and not washing your hands will kill you lol

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Eating a burger while sitting on the toilet isn't likely kill you either - even failing wash your hands after said double feature. Good hygiene is just something we should all strive towards in my opinion.

Salmonella is no more prevalent today than it was 20 years ago, or even 200 years ago for that matter. The bacteria that causes salmonella (e. coli) lives in the soil. It is found nearly everywhere. It "blooms" in the immune-compromised person and causes a salmonella infection.

Reptiles can and do carry e. coli but so do nearly every other animal - including us. The risk of salmonella came to the forefront when baby turtles were popular in the pet trade in the 1970's or so. Many people bought these baby turtles as pets for young children and the children would frequently put them in their mouths (where were all the parents?? I sure wouldn't let my kid put a turtle in their mouth.....). It was what prompted that legislation (sorry it's late and I can't remember specifics at the moment) that led to disallowing the sale of turtles under 4" unless it was for "educational" purposes. :rolleyes:

It's not a good idea to kiss your reptiles, although nearly all of us have (guilty!!). And it is wise to wash your hands after handling - especially after cleaning cages and/or feeding. But this is really more a matter of good hygiene than a fear of contracting salmonella.

So, no, I don't believe salmonella is a real problem with captive bred reptiles. :gj:

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

The risk of salmonella came to the forefront when baby turtles were popular in the pet trade in the 1970's or so. Many people bought these baby turtles as pets for young children and the children would frequently put them in their mouths (where were all the parents?? I sure wouldn't let my kid put a turtle in their mouth.....). It was what prompted that legislation (sorry it's late and I can't remember specifics at the moment) that led to disallowing the sale of turtles under 4" unless it was for "educational" purposes.

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And if you're wondering how the turtles got salmonella...


... people were breeding the turtles in HUMAN SEWAGE PONDS

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Originally Posted by pythonminion

Many a man has kissed a reptile (and in my case, licked) and not received salmonella. I think it's comparable to handling raw eggs and meat patties.

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Not just men kiss their reptiles! lol I'm guilty of sometimes giving my snake a peck. Obviously if I can tell the snake has been lounging in their own fecal matter, I won't, and instead, give them a small bath. lol

Although when it comes to cleaning cages/waterbowls and whatnot, I'll use gloves.