Salmonella in reptiles should be a concern for any herp lover. However, if appropriate precautions are taken, it need not keep you from owning the reptiles of your dreams. Salmonella is a serious and potentially fatal bacterial infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that households with children under the age of 5 years and anyone with a suppressed immune system not own or handle reptiles.

Salmonella is transmitted from reptiles and amphibians orally, through contact with an infected animal’s fecal matter. Children tend to put things, including their hands, in their mouths. This is why the CDC recommends that children not be exposed to reptiles. Any contact with the reptile itself, substrate, cage décor, or the cage itself can lead to infection. Keeping your reptile’s enclosure as clean as possible helps to minimize the risk of exposure, but keeping children away is still the safest guard against contracting Salmonella from reptiles.

Any species of reptile can carry Salmonella, although iguanas and turtles tend to be the most typical carriers of the disease. Since Salmonella is a bacterium that can naturally inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of a reptile, carriers usually do not appear sick and cannot be distinguished from non-carriers.

A variety of safety precautions should be exercised to prevent against infection from Salmonella in reptiles. Anyone handling a reptile should always wash his hands immediately after handling the animal. Wash using soap and hot water, and use a vigorous rubbing motion for a minimum of 60 seconds before rinsing thoroughly. An anti-bacterial hand sanitizer gel should also be used. Never handle your reptile or any part of his habitat with your bare hands if you have any cuts or open sores. Even a small paper cut on your finger can provide an easy entrance for bacteria such as Salmonella. If you must handle your reptile or touch his habitat, be sure to use gloves.

When cleaning your reptile’s habitat, wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Clean the enclosure and its contents in a well-ventilated area, with a diluted bleach solution (use ½ cup bleach to every gallon of warm water), and allow the solution to stand for ten minutes before rinsing.

Never kiss your reptile or allow your mouth to come into contact with the animal, enclosure, or accessories in any way. Do not allow your reptile in the kitchen or any other food preparation, storage, or serving area. Choose a place other than your kitchen or bathroom for bathing your pet reptile and cleaning his enclosure. If you must use your kitchen or bathroom, remove all personal items and food preparation or storage items. Thoroughly sanitize the entire area with a dilute bleach solution afterwards.

Because of the risk of Salmonella in reptiles, children under 5, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and those with compromised immune systems should not handle or be exposed to reptiles.

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