Vet Tips

Pet turtles: A Common Source of Salmonella
03/10/2009

Turtles commonly carry bacteria called Salmonella on their outer skin and shell surfaces. People can get Salmonella by coming in contact with turtles or their habitats.
Salmonella can cause serious or even life-threatening infection in people, even though the bacteria do not make turtles sick. People infected with Salmonella may have diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Symptoms usually appear six to 72 hours after contact with the bacteria and last about two to seven days. Most people recover without treatment. Anyone can get Salmonella infection, but the risk is highest in infants, young children, elderly people and people with lowered natural resistance to infection due to pregnancy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases.
Advice to Consumers:
Do not buy small turtles for pets or as gifts
If your family is expecting a child, remove any pet turtle )or other reptile or amphibian) from the home before the infant arrives.
Keep turtles out of homes with children under 5 years old, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems.
Do not allow turtles to roam freely through the house, especially in food preparation areas.
Do not clean turtle tanks or other supplies in the kitchen sink. Disinfect a tub or other place where turtle habitats are cleaned.
Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching
any turtles, their housing, or anything (for example, food) that comes in contact with a turtle or its housing.
Be aware that Salmonella infection can be caused by contact with turtles in petting zoos, parks, day care facilities, or other locations.
Watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. Contact your doctor if you suspect that you or a member of your family may have Salmonella.

Submitted by:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration
www.fda.gov/cvm/turtles.htm
1-888-INFO-FDA