Prevention of Salmonella Exposure from Reptiles
Salmonellosis is a zoonotic form of gastroenteritis that
is most commonly contracted through oral ingestion (e.g.,
contaminated chicken products). However, a high proportion
of reptiles are asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella.
Attempts to eliminate Salmonella with antibiotics are
usually unsuccessful and produce strains that are resistant
to the antibiotic. Transmission to humans can occur through
open cuts, splashing of contaminated material into the eyes
or through inhalation of sprayed contaminated solutions.
Symptoms include muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea, and usually last for 2-4 days. Antibiotics
are not normally used to limit the duration or severity of
the disease in humans. In some people, Salmonellosis can
be quite severe, leading to septicemia, death or spontaneous
abortion.
The following categories of people should avoid all contact,
direct or indirect, with any reptile as the risk of serious,
symptomatic infection is greatly increased:
- Women who are pregnant (due to the threat to the fetus)
- Anyone with HIV/AIDS or other immunodeficiency disorders
- Anyone who has had transplant surgery or is on anti-rejection
therapy
- Anyone who is on any drug which suppresses or alters immune
function including: steroids, cancer chemotherapy, biological
response modifiers and others
- Anyone receiving radiation treatment
- Infants and children up to five years of age
- Those who are elderly, frail, or with poor nutritional
status
What to do to avoid becoming infected:
- Visitors should not touch the reptile cages and should
avoid touching any surfaces that might be contaminated.
- Wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least
30 seconds after handling reptiles or participating in a
class in the MH-207-217 area. Antibacterial soap is preferable.
- Do not handle any reptiles or their caging if you have
open cuts or sores on your hands (rubber gloves are recommended).
- Avoid splashing when washing reptile enclosures (consider
goggles or face mask when washing).
- Do not share caging or temporary housing containers,
wash tubs, etc., among different species or individuals
unless they have been disinfected.
If in doubt about any condition or treatment you or a household
member is undergoing, or about any disease or disorder you
or a household member may have with respect to its effect
on immune status, please consult your physician. Also, if
you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should contact
your physician.
If you have any questions, please contact the Director of
Animal Care (278-5388), the Chair of the IACUC (278-5266)
or the Regulatory Compliance Officer (278-7640)
CSUF thanks California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
for this information.
Revised: 12/08/05 SH