Salmonella and children under 5

[oliverstwist]

I am trying to get pregnate as well and I just now am ording four more hatchlings. My snakes go no where. Just up the hand washing

[sgath92]

Salmonella was the big talking point for groups like HSUS/PETA to scare people away from exotics before they became smart enough to use terms like "non-native" or "invasive" to fear monger. It is worth pointing out that it is to this day a common talking point for these groups in trying to end meat consumption.

It is perfectly clear, if you have been reading their sites for long enough, that from the moment every day households started seeing reptiles as normal every day pets, these animal rights groups have been grasping at whatever they can think of to try to end the practice. They think pet ownership is slavery, and won't be happy until the practice is outlawed.

Make no mistake, these are radical activists, not complete idiots. They know what they're doing, and they're good at it. Look at how many pet shops today will not call their pets "pets" anymore. Instead they use the term "companion animal." Where do you think that phrase comes from? You got it: The radical animal rights groups who see "pets" as "companion slaves." Even their radical jargon is invading the mainstream.

The reality is that anyone who keeps any animal in a dirty environment is creating a breeding ground for various 'germs' [of a variety of types]. We have all seen what happens to buildings that have been used by cat hoarders. The diseases permeate threw the building to such a degree that they often can not be salvaged after the animals are removed, and need to be bulldozed flat & hauled away.

My BP is a rescue. She was left to die under a pile of trash in an apartment after an eviction. Her tank hadn't been cleaned in some time, as evident by the amount of past sheds, feces, etc and let me tell you: That tank had a particular smell to it which has not reoccurred since [because I keep it clean].

Supposing, a child in a household with a reptile did contract salmonella. How would the family know where the disease originated? This is a disease where food prep is of major importance, and most people eat in a variety of homes, schools, restaurants etc. It only takes one to be lax in their cleanliness to cause someone to catch the disease, even if the food consumed by the victim was not a meat product at all.

I would question the use of antibacterial products at all in the house, given the emerging problem of antibacterial resistant superbugs and these products' tendency to cause contact dermatitis. I use a vinegar-water solution for a variety of cleaning in my house including when I clean my snake enclosure. I don't have to worry about having any kids in my apartment so maybe someone else would have some insight there but I would imagine traditional soap & water would be as good if used at the right times & frequency.

[Crazy4Herps]

Salmonella was the big talking point for groups like HSUS/PETA to scare people away from exotics before they became smart enough to use terms like "non-native" or "invasive" to fear monger. It is worth pointing out that it is to this day a common talking point for these groups in trying to end meat consumption.

sgath, I think you make some excellent points. Bacteria and germs are a part of owning any pet, and also a part of life that shouldn't be as scary as so many people make it out to be.

On the other hand, salmonella is not just a scare tactic used by anti-exotics groups. It's uncommon for responsible snake-owners to contract salmonella, but it's real. And, considering it can be deadly to young children, it is something that all keepers (especially parents) should be informed about.

[Salamander Rising]

Salmonella is found in snakes' intestines, not on their skin, so making sure the cages stay clean and the snakes aren't sitting in their own poop reduces the risk by a lot.

I prefer empiric evidence.

This dude's been licking snakes for 40+ years, occasionally even letting them stick their head in his mouth.

[IMG]http://www.artnet.com/artwork_images_425934048_704142_ian-****son.jpg[/IMG]

He's never gotten salmonella.

Last summer he went to Brazil, ate some of the local cuisine and got food poisoning.

Had to cancel a concert for the first time in his career.

If he's not worried, I'm not worried.

Rock on, Coop!

[kitedemon]

salmonella is often found in the intestinal track of snakes. Not the skin, tongue or other places. Be careful with faces, in the enclosure and out (garbage cans ect.) this is the venue for exposure. Good housekeeping (snake housekeeping) care with any and all substrate and any poo/pee and there should be no problem. For peace of mind and for the doubtful lock the enclosure and keep the key out of the way. I also when spot cleaning remove the 'garbage' from the house totally and immediately. I sanitize all the tools and myself as well. Just some common sense and a touch of care and there should be no issues.

Oh don't let the child lick the vent... LOL!!!

[Salamander Rising]

salmonella is often found in the intestinal track of snakes. Not the skin, tongue or other places. Be careful with faces, in the enclosure and out (garbage cans ect.) this is the venue for exposure. Good housekeeping (snake housekeeping) care with any and all substrate and any poo/pee and there should be no problem. For peace of mind and for the doubtful lock the enclosure and keep the key out of the way. I also when spot cleaning remove the 'garbage' from the house totally and immediately. I sanitize all the tools and myself as well. Just some common sense and a touch of care and there should be no issues.

Oh don't let the child lick the vent... LOL!!!

Eeeeeeeyew!