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Amphibians, Reptiles and Salmonella
Many people are aware turtles and other reptiles can carry Salmonella bacteria, but not many know that amphibians can carry it, too. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on December 7 that detailed 48 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium in 25 states, all of which originated from contact with amphibians – more specifically, water frogs. The majority (77%) of the ill people were less than 10 years old, and the median age was 4 years. According to the CDC, no deaths have been reported. An update published on January 7, 2010 reports 85 individuals in 31 states have been infected during this outbreak. The most recently reported illness was on December 11, 2009. For more information, visit the CDC's Investigation Update page.
This doesn't mean amphibian and reptile owners should get rid of their pets. What it does mean is that amphibian and reptile 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)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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