salmonella

[mycolorfulheart]

So i had always heard that you aren't supposed to have a kid with a reptile, because the kid could get sick/die via salmonella. but people have posted pics of kids with snakes, etc, so i'm wondering if it's really an issue, if it's blown out of proportion or what. i'm on birth control and have this horrible image of myself having a child and having to give up my snake as well. and lose all my dreams of other reptilian family members.....i know it's a neurotic fear but bear with me here i love my pets. can you safely keep a child and a reptile together?

[ssssnakeluvr]

I have been handling reptiles since the 70's and have never gotten sick. However it is a possiblity. salmonella is a common gut bacteria in reptiles. the biggest worry is with iguanas and aquatic turtles. their cages stay warm and moist, perfect for bacteria to multiply. iguana food bowls will stay damp with veggies and warm.... common sense and washing your hands after handling and you should be just fine. my kids help me a lot also and have never been sick. snake cages are generally kept nice and dry to prevent skin problems. as long as the cage is relatively dry, bacteria won't be able to grow. you can buy a bottle of hand sanitizer to kill germs after handling reptiles and you should be fine.

[adamanteus]

I agree with Don on this. Reptiles can carry salmonella, especially turtles, but normal hygiene practice is fine where snakes are concerned. I think it can often be blown out of proportion.

[tikichick]

I agree with Don on this. Reptiles can carry salmonella, especially turtles, but normal hygiene practice is fine where snakes are concerned. I think it can often be blown out of proportion.

I agree and I just read about it in turtles last night:

"Avoiding Salmonella
Salmonella poisoning is something all reptile owners should be aware of since it is a disease that can cause severe diarrhea and even death to children and people with weaken immune systems. Some box turtles (as well as raw eggs, chicken, beef, flies) are carriers of the germ and can spread it to humans. Always wash your hands with an antibacterial soap after handling box turtles or any reptiles. Never feed raw chicken or beef to turtles. Never let small children play with your turtles. They may try to kiss the turtle or stick fingers in their mouths before you have a chance to tell them to wash their hands. Never clean turtle items near food preparation areas, like the kitchen sink. Use an outdoor faucet and washpan. If you keep in mind the need for cleanliness and hand washing, you will lessen the chances of Salmonella poisoning."


from Health Care for Box Turtles

[mycolorfulheart]

thanks for the info. i think people can get spooked about disease, especially when it comes to their kids.

[adamanteus]

That's true, but I really wouldn't worry about it if I were you. I've personally never known anyone have a problem. I don't hesitate letting my four year old daughter handle the snakes, and I'll be honest, she doesn't always wash her hands afterwards!

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Salmonella is not a seriously threat if you know HOW to teach your child to handle a reptile and to always wash their hands. I actually did contract salmonellaonce, But I am not sure whether it was from the chicken I ate or reptiles. I became very ill, was very dehydrated. Bt it didn't stop there, very rarely salmonella can migrate from your stomach and intestines to other parts of your body. It did this to me and got into my urinary tract and caused a LOT of problems for me! I could not stand for more than 5 minutes before my kidneys hurt so bad i couldnt breathe! I was out of work for a week.

So i hope none of you ever have to go through that, but i guess you can't help i if you eat something bad unknowingly. I had chicken the night before I became sick. This is probably where it came from seeing as I am VERY clean when it comes to my reptiles.

[tikichick]

This should help put your mind at ease a bit.

Salmonella and Other Zoonoses: The Basics

[GarterGuy]

Just curious, but has there ever been any documented cases of salmonella infection from snakes????? I know turtles and some lizards, but have never heard anything on snakes. Wondering if they don't carry the bacteria in their guts?

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

ive never gotten sick and im a kid , just make them wash and dont let them put their hands in their mouth after theyve touched a snake