salmonella

[drache]

just because you're exposed doesn't necessarily mean you'll get it either
we all carry loads of potentially dangerous micro-organisms
and loads of "beneficial" micro-organisms
it's all nicely balanced to maintain our health
you could probably be exposed to salmonella most days and your immune system could deal with it
then one day, you're a bit run down, a couple of stress factors up the ante, you eat the wrong thing - and the next day you're struck with the runs
gosh - most of us have that scenario every day - it's amazing we're not sick all the time

[GarterGuy]

According to what I've read, somewhere between 90 and 100% of all snakes carry the bacteria. So the risk seems to be exaggerated.

Just out of curiosity, how many other pet animals also carry the bacteria. It'd be interesting to have a comparison to non-reptile pets.

[Stefan-A]

Googled it.

"S almonella spp. can be isolated from healthy dogs and cats at rates of up to 36% and 18%, respectively."
http://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/


"In cats and dogs it has been estimated from tests that up to 36% of healthy dogs and 18% of healthy cats have Salmonella in their faeces, and the number of animals carrying the disease is thought to be higher than these findings."
PROVET HEALTHCARE INFORMATION - Salmonellosis

[adamanteus]

I wonder if we humans carry it anyway, but don't necessarily get ill? I don't know.
It seems pretty much every other animal carries it, why not us?

[Stefan-A]

It is possible, yes. "Surivors" can become asymptomatic carriers.

[Lori P]

What?? I have to stop licking my snakes?? DARN IT...

[adamanteus]

Lori, you're strange. I like you, but you're strange!

[Lori P]

Come on James, laughter makes the world go round right?!!!

[Stefan-A]

Depends on who you're laughing at.

[Lori P]

Me, usually. I laugh at me a LOT. :-) :-)