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Salmonellosis

Salmonella is a bacteria that is present in the feces of most reptiles including iguanas, turtles, snakes, and other lizards. Salmonella can be present in the water surrounding or within a reptile's environment. All animals, including man can be susceptible to infection with the bacteria and all reptiles harbor strains of salmonella that can be infectious. Reptiles often are asymptomatic (show no signs of being sick) carriers of salmonella and this is why they pose such a potential public health risk - especially to children, elderly, or immune-suppressed individuals.

Reptiles, being asymptomatic carriers of this bacteria show no clinical signs of illness. Transmission to people (and other animals as well) occurs through oral infection-handling the reptile, it's food/water, and it's environment. People become infected by then not washing hands and proceeding to eat or touch the mouth or face with contaminated hands. Sometimes the infection can occur through "kissing" a reptile that is harboring the bacteria. Salmonella can also be transmitted through contaminated foods such as milk, eggs, pork, or poultry. These causes are more likely than transmission from reptiles; but being aware and being cautious with handling your pet can prevent some infections.

There are no treatments available for preventing a reptile from harboring salmonella-they all do. That is why it is so important to follow good hygiene habits when handling reptiles of all kinds.