Salmonellosis and pet reptiles
Of the 2000 different kinds of salmonella, there are a few unusual types that are associated with special pets, such as iguanas, lizards, snakes, turtles, and hedgehogs. These types can still cause the usual symptoms, but they may be more severe and can also be complicated with meningitis or a bloodstream infection. Salomonellosis illness is acquired when the person swallows the bacteria. Symptoms can include sudden onset of fever, chills and stomach pain accompanied by diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Dehydration, especially among infants, may be severe. The infection can be serious when it occurs in young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Most persons who contract reptile-associated salmonellosis are infants and young children.
How is salmonellosis spread?
Reptiles shed the bacteria in their faeces. Since most reptiles are kept in a cage or aquarium they are likely to have faeces on their skin. They then spread the faeces around the entire cage. People who touch their reptiles or clean the cages may get feces on their hands. They may then touch their hands to their face or mouths when eating, smoking, scratching, or biting their nails. Touching food may spread the faeces from a person’s hands to his or her mouth. If people do not wash their hands the bacteria can get into their mouths and be swallowed. An infected person can also spread the bacteria to other people through his or her own faeces. Reptiles can spread the faeces on their skin onto food by crawling across kitchen counters, tables or other places used for eating or making food.
In addition the research shows that those who have become ill with these types of salmonella do not always have direct contact with the pet itself.
A high percentage of reptiles are carriers of salmonella but they are not visibly ill. Salmonella is naturally found in the intestines of these reptiles. 90% of reptiles carry salmonella in their faeces. Reptiles can become infected before birth. This occurs during egg development, through live newborns or as the shelled embryos pass through the birth canal of the mother. Reptiles pass their infection to other reptiles by sharing enclosures or food bowls or by eating each other’s faeces. This is a common behavior of hatchlings as it helps them establish normal bacteria levels in their intestines.
Who should avoid contact with reptiles?
Pet reptiles should be kept out of households where children under the age of 5 or immunocompromised persons live.
Anyone with HIV/AIDS or other immunodeficiency disorders.
Pregnant women due to risk to the fetus. Families expecting a new child should remove the pet reptile from the home before the infant arrives.
People subject to chronic infections or who may be on antibiotics or drugs, which alter the immune function including steroids, cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or anti-rejection therapy.
How can you protect yourself?
After handling any reptile be sure and wash your hands with soap and water. Wash for 30 seconds (antibacterial soap is helpful). Even if you have worn gloves when handling the pet, hands must still be washed.
Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly after handling reptiles. Children under the age of 12 years should be supervised when handling reptiles.
Keep reptile enclosures, water and food bowls, and surfaces as clean as possible. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of enclosures and accessories is recommended. A disinfection solution can be made using a ¼ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.
Keep reptiles out of the kitchen and away from any surfaces where human food is stored, prepared or served.
Do not touch dishes, pots, pans, or other utensils used for human food after touching any reptile or reptile accessory.
Do not use kitchen sinks to clean reptile accessories or caging materials. When washing reptile enclosures and accessories avoid splashes to the face and mouth area. Wear rubber gloves when washing pet accessories. Masks and goggles may also be necessary if splashing is unavoidable.
Ensure that bathtubs or shower stalls used for reptile related activities are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after their use.
Reptiles should not be kept in any childcare facility where toddlers and pre-schoolers are cared for. Reptiles kept in classrooms should not be handled unless appropriate hand washing and clean-up facilities are available and made accessible to children and staff.
Disinfectant lotions, pump sprays or similar products should be carried whenever reptiles are going to be handled away from the home or school setting. Where hand washing facilities are absent, disinfecting hand gels, foams or hand wipes should be provided.
For more information please call 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.
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