Snake bacteria

Do snakes carry any bacteria permanently that is harmful to humans? I need as much info as you've got to settle an argument with my friend.

Snakes carry Salmonella, this is why you should always wash your hands after handling.

yes, but do they carry it forever, or does it go away after an isolation period?

FOREVER

All reptiles carry bacteria in their digestive tract. Some carry bacterial that can be harmful to humans. It is best to ensure that you, and especially children, wash their hands after handling any reptile. FROM http://www.snakebreeder.co.uk/html/corncare.html

Reptiles and birds are both common vectors for salmonella, and you should always wash your hands after handling either one, dead or alive. If you cannot do that, you should at least use antibacterial towelettes or gel. If you can't do that either, don't touch it.

I must admit I am very lax on this rule even though. I shouldn't I've never got salmonella poisoning.

My boyfriend and I both got salmonella (at least we suspect that was it) from undercooked chicken. I tell ya, it's NOT anything you ever want to experience! Gut wrenching pain and running to the bathroom is only part of it. I always wash my hands after handling any reptiles, just to prevent anything like that from happening again.

hmm, I figured. go me. I am so lazy with this rule though. I only have the one snake and no ther pets or small people around, I am also generally the only one who handles him. My mom went all crazy when I brought him to visit once and wouldn't let me walk through the kitchen with him, even though its no worse than having ckicken out to thaw if you wash it up. She is kindof freaky about snakes anyway though.

While it's still a good practice to get into as far as washing your hands or using sanitizer, it takes a lot to actually get salmonella from a reptile. And they can not have it one week, and then have it the next. Well, they can carry salmonella - but so can your dog, cat, bird or the food you eat. Practicing basic cleanliness when handling and caring for snakes should avoid any problems. I've met tons of people who keep snakes and have never heard anyone say they've contacted anything from their reptiles.

http://ballpython.com/forum/viewtopi...ght=salmonella

i think it is also a good idea to not only wash your hands after handling your reptile, but also BEFORE you handle it. you don't want to cause it to come in contact with unneccesary germs and bacteria that is on your hands. it also washes off the scent from other animals you may have. a friend of mine has a bp and it will absolutely not let her pick it up if she has handled her cat at all and not washed her hands first. its just a good all around general rule of thumb--wash before you handle and then again afterwards for the best conditions for the both of you.

I am a strong proponant of washing hands before ahndling the animal, if for no other reason than you may smell like food and end up tagged. Not fun

I've got a rule that if anyone handles either of my guys they are required to wash their hands before and after. Straight from the sink to the herps and then back to the sink. I'm not one to take any chances with either of my guys, or any of my family/friends.

If I had more than one I would be much more strict about it but there is just the one so no chance of trnsferring bacteria from one herp to another

Quote:

---

i think it is also a good idea to not only wash your hands after handling your reptile, but also BEFORE you handle it

---

Great point. I always do that, since in the mornings I am always handling rats due to the fact that I clean their cages and feed them in the AM before going to work. If I didn't wash my hands after that, and went to handle my boa, I would be in pain!
Seriously though, that is a really good point. Think of all the germs on our hands. Me having a really bad cold right now is testament to that!