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There are over 2,000 different types of Salmonella bacteria world wide which cause illness in people and animals.  The illness is acquired when the person swallows the bacteria. When a person has ingested the bacteria it will take from 6 to 72 hours before symptoms develop. On  average, illness usually occurs within 12-36 hours.  So, it's not always the last meal you have eaten that has caused the illness.

Symptoms can include sudden onset of fever, chills, and stomach pain accompanied by diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.  Dehydration, especially among infants may be severe.  The infection can be serious when it occurs in young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. A stool culture from the ill person sent to a laboratory will help diagnose the illness.  Antibiotics are usually not given to resolve the infection.

Sources of Salmonella bacteria are found in the faeces of wild and domestic animals, particularly chickens, turkeys, geese, swine, cattle, cats and rodents.  They can also be found in food, particularly unpasteurized milk, raw eggs, and uncooked or undercooked meats or poultry.  People can also be a source of this infection.

Special types of Salmonella

There are a few unusual types of Salmonella which are associated with special pets, like iguanas, lizards, snakes, turtles and hedgehogs.  These bacteria can still cause the usual symptoms, but symptoms may be more severe and can lead to complications like meningitis, or a bloodstream infection.  Research shows that those who have become ill with these types of Salmonella species do not always have direct contact with the pet itself.

• Direct contact means the person has handled the pet. Hands were not washed after handling the pet, and hands have gone to the mouth, where the bacteria were swallowed.
• Indirect contact means the person has had no contact with the pet itself.
  Some examples include:
  • Living in the same household with the pet
  • Touching the pet’s food bowl, handling or cleaning the aquarium
  • A child crawling on the floor in the room where the pet is let out of its normal enclosure
  • A parent feeds an infant after handling the pet and not washing his/her hands

Reptiles are becoming popular pets in North America. Most reptiles are captured in the wild and are imported to Canada.

It is important to realize that Salmonella bacteria are easily passed from animal-to-animal, animal-to-humans, and humans-to-humans.

Hedgehogs are not reptiles but are small rodent like pets that have no fur.  They are inexpensive and are becoming increasingly popular in North America.  Their furless body makes them appealing to owners and children who are normally allergic to dogs and cats.

Important points about Salmonella and pet reptiles:

A high percentage of reptiles are carriers of Salmonella (they are not visibly ill). Salmonella is naturally found in the intestines of these reptiles.  90% of reptiles carry Salmonella in their faeces.

• Attempts to eliminate Salmonella in reptiles with antibiotics have been unsuccessful.
• Reptiles can become infected before birth. This occurs during egg development, through live newborns or as the shelled embryos pass through the birth canal of the mother.
• Those bred in captivity have NO guarantee that they are Salmonella-free.
• Reptiles pass their infection to other reptiles by sharing enclosures or food bowls or by eating each other’s feces.  This is a common behavior of hatchlings; it helps them establish normal bacteria levels in their intestines.

Who should avoid contact with reptiles?

The following list of people should avoid all contact, direct or indirect, with any reptile.  These individuals are at risk of developing serious illness.

• Infants and children up to 5 years of age; some say up to age 8
• Anyone with HIV/AIDS or other immunodeficiency disorders
• Pregnant women due to risk to the fetus
• People subject to chronic infections, or who may be on antibiotics or drugs which alter the immune function including steroids, cancer chemotherapy, radiation or anti-rejection therapy

Precautions:

Pet shops will not advertise that these pets may have Salmonella. Some may even suggest they are Salmonella free, however this can not be guaranteed.  Remember, these pets are the natural reservoir of certain Salmonella types.  Choose your pet wisely and always take these precautions.

1. After handling any reptile be sure and wash your hands with soap and water.  Wash for 30 seconds (antibacterial soap is helpful); even if you have worn gloves when handling the pet, hands must still be washed
   
   

2. Teach children to wash hands thoroughly after handling reptiles.
    

3. Children under the age of 12 years should be supervised when handling reptiles.
    

4. Keep reptile enclosures, water/food bowls and surfaces as clean as possible.  Regular cleaning and disinfecting of enclosures and accessories is recommended.  A disinfection solution can be made using a ¼ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.
    

5. Keep reptiles out of the kitchen and away from any surfaces where human food is stored, prepared or served.
    

6. Do not touch dishes, pots, pans or other utensils used for human food after touching any reptile or reptile accessory.
    

7. Do not use kitchen sinks to clean reptile accessories or caging materials.
    

8. When washing reptile enclosures/accessories, avoid splashes to the face/mouth area.
    

9. Wear rubber gloves when washing pet accessories.  Masks and goggles may also be necessary if splashing is unavoidable.
    

10. Ensure that bathtubs or shower stalls used for reptile-related activities are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after their use.
     

11. Reptiles should not be kept in any child care facility where toddlers and pre-schoolers are cared for.
     

12. Reptiles kept in classrooms should not be handled unless appropriate handwashing and clean-up facilities are available and made accessible to children and staff.
     

13. Disinfectant lotions, pump sprays or similar products should be carried whenever reptiles are going to be handled away from the home or school setting.  Where handwashing facilities are absent, disinfecting hand gels, foams or hand wipes should be provided.

Sources:

1990 Reptile and Amphibian Magazine (Internet) and Centers for Disease Control

For more information, please call 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.