Why do reptiles get salmonella?
Most reptiles carry salmonella that are host species specific, and transmitted between individuals of the same or closely related species. These salmonella strains are not able to infect other species, including humans. Some reptiles also carry salmonella that can infect humans, but not the reptiles themselves. These may have been passed on to the reptiles through contact with humans or if the reptiles were raised under unsanitary conditions.
The same way rats, or mice, or hamsters, or any other caged animal gets it… An animal that lives in an environment where it has no choice but to come into contact with it’s own fecal matter is prone to carrying salmonella (among other nasties) But just like handling raw meat, if you wash your hands before rubbing your eyes or chewing your fingernails or picking your nose after handling a reptile (or gerbil or hamster or any other animal that lives in an environment where it has no choice but to come in contact with it’s own fecal matter), you’ll be fine… And in all reality, if you keep your reptile (or gerbil, etc.) in a clean environment, and don’t give it much chance to come in contact with it’s own fecal matter, you’ve got a better chance of contracting salmonella from improper food handling.
Reptiles are popular pets with many families. Small reptiles like turtles, iguanas, snakes, geckos, horned toads, and chameleons are colorful, quiet, and often kept as caged pets. Reptiles require careful handling, however, because they can carry a germ called Salmonella that can cause serious illness in people. Although many people think of salmonellosis as an illness caused by contaminated food, it can also be caught by handling a pet reptile or contact with its environment. Salmonellosis is a serious infection of the gastrointestinal tract. (Information on this infection is also available in Spanish.) Diarrhea is the most common symptom of Salmonella infection, but other symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting can also occur. Salmonellosis can be very serious and sometimes fatal for young children, the elderly, and persons with weak immune systems. Therefore, families with children aged 5 years or younger in the home should avoid keeping reptiles as pets.
