Zoonotic Diseases & Reptiles

A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be passed from animals to humans. It is important to remember that the best way to protect yourself is to practice good hygiene after handling your reptile or its waste. Wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Take your reptiles to your veterinarian for regular check-ups, and if your reptile exhibits any symptoms.

Salmonella: An estimated 3% of households in the United States own at least one reptile and an estimated 70,000 people in the United States get salmonellosis from contact with reptiles each year. Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease. Typical symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain that starts 1 to 3 days after infection. These symptoms usually go away after 1 week. In some cases, medical attention is required because the diarrhea is severe or the infection has affected other organs. Usually, people get salmonellosis by eating contaminated food, such as chicken or eggs. However, reptiles, including turtles, lizards, and snakes can carry salmonella and pass it in their feces (stool).

Here are some tips for protecting yourself and your family:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after you handle your pet reptile, its food, and anything it may have touched.
• Keep your pet reptile in a habitat designed for it; don't let it roam around your home.
• Keep your pet reptile and its equipment out of the kitchen or any roam where food is prepared.
• Don't nuzzle or kiss your pet reptile.
• Keep reptiles out of homes with children under 1 year of age or immunocompromised individuals.
• Children under 5 years of age should handle reptiles only with parental supervision and wash their hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, please consult your veterinarian. If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention from your health care provider.