How Do You Prevent Salmonella From Pet Reptiles?
Most reptiles, including those commonly kept as pets, carry salmonella bacteria in their intestinal tract which is shed in their feces. Although salmonella bacteria rarely causes illness in reptiles, it can be quite serious in humans. Fortunately, salmonella bacteria can only be spread from reptiles to humans through ingestion and usually occurs when a person brings his hands to his mouth after coming in contact with a surface contaminated by the reptile’s stool without first washing his hands. Holding or touching your pet iguana or python will rarely result in spread of bacteria, but take precautions. Here are some simple steps that prevent your family from contracting reptile-borne salmonella poisoning. Wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water each time you handle a pet reptile, its cage or equipment. This is particularly important if you come in contact with the stool of the reptile since this is where the salmonella bacteria resides. Restrict access by the reptile from any
