California Zoological Supply was established in 1977 and is one of the nation's largest import/export companies of live, non poisonous reptiles. We would like to bring to your attention a fact about reptiles. You may have read articles recently in your newspapers or seen on the TV news that there is an increase in reports concerning the Salmonella bacteria in reptiles (particularly in Green Iguanas). If carrying the Salmonella bacteria, reptiles have the potential of transmitting it to your other pets, or you. We would like to help in any way we can to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting the Salmonella bacteria. We have prepared this care sheet specifically for that purpose, at the same time reassuring you reducing your risk of contracting the Salmonella bacteria can be simple.
What is Salmonella? Salmonella, named after it's discoverer, Daniel Edward Salmon (1850 1914), is a bacterium transmitted from one animal to another orally. Contamination starts through transmission of the bacteria via the fecal matter. Reptiles can live with the Salmonella bacteria throughout their lives without any ill effects or symptoms. Stress and other immune weakening factors allow the Salmonella bacteria to gain control. A healthy human adult may contract, carry and reject the Salmonella bacteria without even knowing it. However, if you are under the care of a physician, particularly if you are taking medication, you should avoid handling reptiles. Others at high risk of contracting the Salmonella bacteria are: Children under the age of 5 years since their immune systems are not fully developed, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and the elderly. You cannot tell if your reptile is carrying the Salmonella bacteria just by looking at it. Most reptiles appear healthy even with the Salmonella bacteria in their systems. It is best to assume all of your reptiles are carrying the Salmonella. You can continue to enjoy your reptile pets and avoid contracting the Salmonella bacteria as long as you handle your reptiles responsibly and with common sense. We suggest you follow the guidelines listed below.
The number one precaution you can take is to keep your cages clean. This includes the water (and water bowl), substrate (bedding), cage furniture, and of course, the cage itself. DO NOT clean cages or cage paraphernalia in areas where food is stored or prepared! We recommend you clean your cages thoroughly at least two times per month. (Keep in mind, these guidelines are for all of your reptiles whether they appear ill or not). Here is an overview covering the proper way to clean your cages.
1. Remove the animals and put them in a secure container with a well ventilated lid. You may also take this opportunity to soak your pet. For snakes: Put in just enough fresh water to slightly cover the body height. This will allow the snake to rest its head on its coils. For lizards and turtles: Add enough fresh water to leave 1/2" to 1" of the body dry. This procedure will help prevent accidental drowning. The water temperature should be tepid (75°F—80°F). If you can detect any heat to the touch, the water temperature is too hot.
2. Throw away the substrate. If you are using a "permanent" substrate such as cage carpet, artificial turf, etc., soak it along with the water bowl and all cage furniture in a separate container with a solution consisting of 1 part chlorine bleach to 30 parts water. Make sure all items get covered with the solution completely. Keep everything soaking for at least 10 minutes. Bleach is only effective in killing germs after 10 minutes.
3. Rinse off all items with fresh water and let them air dry, preferably in the sunlight. Natural UV rays help kill other germs as well.
4. Rinse the cage with the same strength solution of water & bleach. Again, let the solution remain for at least 10 minutes and follow with a fresh water rinse. Dry the cage, set it up and return the animals. It's a good idea to keep more than one piece of carpet cut to fit each cage. Having a spare piece of substrate prepared, clean and dry is a great time saving measure. Cleaning the cage in this manner should be a habitual practice regardless of the circumstances.
The Salmonella bacteria seems to occur more often in iguanas and water turtles than other reptiles. However, we recommend these procedures be followed for any reptile you may keep. Never let your mouth come in contact with your reptile. The transmission of the Salmonella bacteria occurs orally. For example, some people like to give their reptile an occasional affectionate kiss. This is a practice we do not recommend.
Transmission of the Salmonella bacteria to humans can happen as easily as touching the skin or waste products of the reptile carrying the Salmonella bacteria, any of it's soiled cage items or surfaces which the animals have come in contact. This, in turn, may be transmitted to other people. Always wash your hands for a minimum of 30 seconds after coming in contact with any animal. Make sure you use a quality anti bacterial soap. Iodine based soaps or soaps that state on the label they kill the Salmonella bacteria are the cleansers of choice. You can purchase these at most pharmacies and many specialty pet stores. We recommend Betadyne or Prepodyne.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates reptiles may account for as many as 5% of the 2,000,000 annual reported cases of the Salmonella bacteria. Chicken and eggs are a high source. This means raw cookie dough could be a hazard, DON'T EAT IT. The Salmonella bacteria can also be transmitted to humans by cattle, pigs, dogs, cats, flies, ducks & their eggs, rats and mice. Incubation occurs between 7-30 hours. On the average it takes 10-24 hours. The Salmonella bacteria can also survive for months in enclosures exposed to the Salmonella bacteria regardless of whether it is housing animals or not. Symptoms in humans can include headaches, fever & chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps & diarrhea. Contact your local physician for more complete symptoms of Salmonella bacteria infection.
To illustrate how easy the Salmonella bacteria is transmitted and how long it survives, here are two actual cases. CASE #l. A man kept a large snake as a pet. Understandably, he had a large enclosure for it. To make cleaning easier for himself, he would climb into the enclosure. His snake had the Salmonella bacteria. The man picked up the bacteria on his shoes. When he was done cleaning, he transmitted it to the carpeting where his young daughter often crawled. CASE #2. A man once owned a monitor lizard, which he eventually sold. The lizard's enclosure remained untouched for a few months. In time, he cleaned the enclosure. The dried droppings of the monitor still contained viable Salmonella bacteria! All the Salmonella bacteria needs is slight physical contact to be transmitted. Be careful!
Thank you for taking the time to read our tips on avoiding reptile associated Salmonella. Following these guidelines can only increase the enjoyment you have with your new pet. Reptile popularity is growing significantly and we believe the responsible keeping of reptiles will help ease the fears some may have towards these fascinating animals. With proper care reptiles will give you and your family years of enjoyment and education. You may also want to refer to Reptiles Magazine 5/95 for another point of view on the Salmonella bacteria.
Following these guidelines will greatly decrease your risk in contracting and transmitting the Salmonella bacteria. California Zoological Supply assumes no responsibility in cases of sickness or death in animal(s) and/or person(s) as a result of any procedures or processes mentioned in this care sheet. The preceding tips are not a guarantee that you will not contract the Salmonella bacteria. They were prepared to be used as guideline only. Should you require further preventative measures regarding the Salmonella bacteria we recommend you contact your family physician or your County Dept. of Public Health (Veterinary Dept.). This care sheet is a guideline only. No guarantee is expressed or implied.