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Amphibians, Reptiles and Salmonella
 Update July 21, 2011: The CDC's July 20 update reports that as of July 18, 2001, a total of 241 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella typhimurium have been reported from 42 states since April 21, 2009. These infections are associated with African dwarf frogs-a type of water frog-and water from their habitats (e.g., aquarium or fish tank).
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Many people are aware turtles and other reptiles can carry Salmonella bacteria, but not many know that amphibians can carry it, too. Since April 21, 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 241 individuals in 42 states were infected with Salmonella Typhimurium. All of the individuals were infected through contact with amphibians – more specifically, water frogs – or their habitats. The majority (69%) of the ill people were less than 10 years old, and the median age was 5 years. According to the CDC, 30% of the ill persons were hospitalized but no deaths were reported. The CDC's investigation determined a common source of the infected frogs: Blue Lobster Farms of Madera County, California. For more information, visit the CDC's Investigation Update page.
According to a report released on August 2, 2010 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frozen rodents sold as reptile feed were identified as the cause of Salmonella infection in 34 individuals from 17 states. The company producing the frozen rodents announced a recall on July 23, 2010. It is important to note that reptile food can also be a source of Salmonella infection.
This doesn't mean amphibian and reptile owners should get rid of their pets. What it does mean is that amphibian and reptile handlers and owners should take precautions to protect themselves and their families. Simple, common sense measures can significantly reduce your risk of amphibian- or reptile-associated Salmonella infection, including:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching or handling any amphibian or reptile, its housing, or anything (including food) that has come in contact with a reptile or amphibian or its feces (stool).
- Adults should closely supervise children when they handle amphibians or reptiles, and should assist young children with hand washing.
- If you or any of your family members develop diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever or other signs of illness, contact a physician. Make sure you inform your physician of your contact with a reptile or amphibian.
- Children less than 5 years old should not be allowed to come into contact with amphibians or reptiles without close supervision. Children less than 5 years old are at high risk of Salmonella infection.
- Elderly people and people with weakened immune systems are at high risk of Salmonella infection and should be especially cautious about contact with amphibians or reptiles or their environments.
- Amphibians and reptiles should not be kept in child-care centers.
- Reptile and amphibian pets should not be housed in children's bedrooms. This is especially important when the children are less than 5 years old.
- Do not allow amphibians or reptiles to roam freely throughout your house.
- It is especially important to keep reptiles and amphibians out of food and drink preparation areas.
- When cleaning the reptile's or amphibian's habitat:
- Wear gloves and do not clean the habitat in or near any areas used for food or drink preparation.
- If possible, clean the habitat outside of the house and in an area that is not frequently accessed by children, elderly or immunocompromised people.
- Do not clean the habitat near any sources of food (such as gardens or crop fields) or drinking water.
- After cleaning the habitat, remove and discard the gloves and thoroughly wash your hands.
- Children less than 5 years old should not be allowed to clean the reptile's or amphibian's habitat.
- Do not bathe reptiles or amphibians in your kitchen sink or near any areas used for food or drink preparation. If you use a bathtub for this purpose, it should be thoroughly cleaned and bleached afterward to kill any bacteria that may remain on the surface.
For more information about reptiles, amphibians and Salmonella:
AVMA resources
Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians:
*note: although these materials specifically address reptiles, the information and recommendations also apply to amphibians.
National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians
U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Investigation Update: Outbreak of Human Salmonella typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs (July 20, 2011)
- Investigation Update: Outbreak of Human Salmonella typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs (April 28, 2011)
- Investigation Update: Outbreak of Human Salmonella typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs (April 7, 2011)
- Investigation announcement: multistate outbreak of human Salmonella I 4,[5,]12:i-Infections associated with frozen rodents. (August 2, 2010)
- MMWR Report (February 26, 2010): Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Pet Turtle Exposure --- United States, 2008
- MMWR Report (January 8, 2010): Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Aquatic Frogs – United States, 2009
- Investigation announcement: outbreak of human Salmonella typhimurium infections associated with contact with water frogs (December 7, 2009)
- Reptiles and Salmonella
- General Salmonella information
- Salmonella: Frequently Asked Questions
- Podcasts:
- E-card: I Protect Them
- Poster (PDF): Reducing Your risk of Salmonella Infection from Contact with Reptiles and Amphibians
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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