the skinny on salmonella

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Posted by creaturemd on February 19, 2002 at 20:13:15:

In Reply to: For those of you wondering where I got my information on posted by JNelson on February 19, 2002 at 17:50:28:

Salmonella is not a virus, it's a bacteria. Yes salmonella is carried and spread by many reptiles. Young reptiles with naive immune systems, like that cute little baby iguana in the store window, are more likely to shed the bacteria than older animals. Similarly, young children with naive immune systems and elderly persons or immunocompromised individuals are more likely to be infected. It can also be carried and shed by the family dog or cat or child for that matter. Many different strains exist. Most target the gastrointestinal system causing diarrhea. Thus, the organism is spread through high volume feces heavily laden with the bacteria. Some particularly virulent strains exist that can be deadly AND difficult to destroy in the environment. Finally, most documented cases of Salmonella do come from food, usually eggs or improperly cooked meats, especially chicken. (Think about this the next time you or someone you know tosses Rover a piece of raw chicken) However, this does not eliminate the risk. Reptiles have definately been proven to carry a variety of strains of the bacteria and can pose a risk to humans. Though the incidence is small and most cases mild, the disease can be serious or fatal depending on the virulence of the infecting strain. While good husbandry and proper hygiene are important, they do not ELIMINATE the risk. I don't believe we can condemn anyone for making the difficult choice of giving up the family pet due to serious concerns about the health of a new child. I'm a reptile owner and the mother of a three year old child. While I didn't choose to give up my animals, I would never criticize someone else for making this choice. It wasn't an easy decision for me.

-Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.-john muir

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: Salmonella is not a virus, it's a bacteria. Yes salmonella is carried and spread by many reptiles. Young reptiles with naive immune systems, like that cute little baby iguana in the store window, are more likely to shed the bacteria than older animals. Similarly, young children with naive immune systems and elderly persons or immunocompromised individuals are more likely to be infected. It can also be carried and shed by the family dog or cat or child for that matter. Many different strains exist. Most target the gastrointestinal system causing diarrhea. Thus, the organism is spread through high volume feces heavily laden with the bacteria. Some particularly virulent strains exist that can be deadly AND difficult to destroy in the environment. Finally, most documented cases of Salmonella do come from food, usually eggs or improperly cooked meats, especially chicken. (Think about this the next time you or someone you know tosses Rover a piece of raw chicken) However, this does not eliminate the risk. Reptiles have definately been proven to carry a variety of strains of the bacteria and can pose a risk to humans. Though the incidence is small and most cases mild, the disease can be serious or fatal depending on the virulence of the infecting strain. While good husbandry and proper hygiene are important, they do not ELIMINATE the risk. I don't believe we can condemn anyone for making the difficult choice of giving up the family pet due to serious concerns about the health of a new child. I'm a reptile owner and the mother of a three year old child. While I didn't choose to give up my animals, I would never criticize someone else for making this choice. It wasn't an easy decision for me. : -Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.-john muir :

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