Turtles and Salmonella

Turtles are cute and adorable but they can make humans very sick because turtles are a common source of Salmonella. A bacteria called Salmonella harbors on turtles' outer skin and shell surfaces. Humans can get salmonella poisoning by coming in contact with turtles or their residences.

Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache in people but does not make turtles sick. This infection can be serious or life threatening. Symptoms usually appear 6-72 hours after contact with the bacteria and last about 2-7 days. Most sufferers recover without treatment, but some require hospitalization.

Salmonella can infect anyone but certain persons are at a higher risk including infants, young children, elderly persons, and people with lowered immunity to infection due to pregnancy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and other diseases.

All reptiles and amphibians are potential carriers of Salmonella. This includes turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, and salamanders. Salmonella can be transmitted orally and cross-contamination occurs when turtle tanks and paraphernalia are cleaned in the same areas as food and eating utensils. Countertops, tabletops, bare floors and carpeting can also harbor the hardy bacteria if the turtle is permitted to wander freely on them.

To keep yourself and your family safe, there are a few precautions to take. Turtles with shells less than four inches should not be bought for children as pets or as gifts. If your family is expecting a new baby, move any reptile or amphibian away from your home before the baby is born. Turtles should be kept out of homes completely for those with children under 5 years of age, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems. Keep your pet turtles in their tanks. Allowing them to roam lets bacteria infect common household surfaces that you are susceptible to come in contact with and become sick from. Keep turtles away from areas where food is prepared. After thoroughly cleaning a turtles' cage, also disinfect the cleaning area. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water, after touching any turtles, their tanks, or any food or water that comes in contact with a turtle or its habitat.

Remember that Salmonella can also be transmitted by turtles in petting zoos, parks, day care facilities, and other locations. Be aware of the symptoms of Salmonella infection which include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and headache. If you or a family member suspect that you may have been infected by Salmonella, contact your physician.

www.fda.gov