Reptile Handling Tips to Safely Enjoy Your Pets

Reptiles» turtles, lizards and snakes» carry Salmonella bacteria. The bacteria is shed in the reptiles' poop and gets on the reptiles' skin, their cages, and other things they touch.

You can pick up the bacteria on your hands and spread it to other people. Salmonella causes illness similar to food poisoning with serious stomach and intestinal distress, diarrhea and vomiting. 

Young children are at higher risk of catching Salmonella and suffering severe problems due to infection. This is also true for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

How can you prevent the spread of Salmonella? Keep handling of your pet reptile to a minimum. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately after touching it. 

Enjoy your pet reptile, and protect your family from Salmonella infection. Be safe. Play by the rules!

Keep reptiles out of homes and child care settings with children under 5 or people with weakened immune systems.

Wash your hands thoroughly after you handle your pet reptile, its food or anything it has touched.

Enjoy your pet reptile, but don't nuzzle or kiss it.

Cage your pet reptile in a habitat designed for it; don't let it roam around the home.

Keep your pet reptile and its equipment out of the kitchen or any area where food is prepared.

To learn about diseases related to pets or Salmonellosis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Healthy Pets Healthy People.