Pet Turtles: Ways to Prevent Salmonellosis


Turtles are eye-catching and desirable pets because of their cute appearance, colorful hard shell and slow movements. However, many who want to have a turtle as a pet do not really know much about turtles.

Here we will discuss the issue regarding turtle-associated salmonellosis and how to prevent it:

Salmonellosis is a human disease caused by salmonella bacteria that are transmitted by reptiles including turtles. Each year, 74,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in America alone.

Salmonellosis can also be acquired from amphibians such as frogs, salamanders, toads, and newts. Some cases of salmonellosis result in severe illness, hospitalization and even death.

The most prone to this disease are elderly, children under 5, and those with weakened resistance to disease due to cancer, pregnancy, diabetes, organ transplant, chemotherapy, liver problems, and other diseases.

Ways to prevent salmonellosis:

Turtle pets should not be brought into a household with elderly, children under 5, and people with weakened resistance to disease (the same to those that are mentioned above). Any reptile and amphibian should be removed if the household is expecting a baby.

Do not touch your face or any part of your body after handling or touching turtles or turtle cages, or feces of turtles. Instead, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Turtles may be negative to salmonella bacteria at the time it was tested but it doesn't mean that the turtle is not infected.

Take note that a turtle that appears healthy doesn't mean that it really is. So whenever you handle any turtle, treat it as if it is contaminated.

Any surface the turtle and the turtle cage come in contact with should be washed.

High-risk individuals should not have any contact with turtles (direct or indirect).

Before handling an infant, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Do not handle an infant and a turtle at the same time. Turtles in public places such as exhibits and zoos should be kept away from any direct or indirect human contact, unless in designated touch-areas where hand-washing facilities are available. Also, turtles should not be allowed inside a child care center.

Any possible contact with food should be prevented. Do not handle food and a turtle at the same time. Never allow the turtle to walk around the area where the food is prepared. Do not bathe the turtle or wash dishes, aquariums or cages in the sink.

Learn more about the care of exotic pets when you read the rest of our information here about: How to look after a pet snake


Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Pets.

"Power Tips" magazine is back!
You Get A Free Complete Self Help Report delivered to your email box every edition, plus you get a free PLR article and other great gifts!

SUBSCRIBE BELOW ...  I promise you will want to USE what you learn!

I really want to know what you think of this site, this page, and to hear your tips or suggestions about it.

So please share your story or simply add a Comment in the comment box.

If you feel that the information on this page has been useful to you please give it a Like or share it with your friends - thanks!!

"You are a life Saver!!

I recently discovered this site and I can tell you that my life has not been the same. I now come here EVERYDAY and spend at least 1 hour.

I used to spend that time browsing online fashion and beauty magazine which just means that I spend more. Now I have replaced that habit with coming here.

In future I will think about contributing articles as well. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! and God bless"

Contact Us | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | FAQ | Testimonials

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.