• Turtles may seem like a cute idea for pets, but they can be carriers of harmful bacteria.turtle image by ultraman from Fotolia.com
  
  Reptiles have become popular as pet options in the United States, but having reptiles as pets can be hazardous to your health (and theirs). According to the humane society, there are an estimated 11 million pet reptiles in the United States, and many owners don't take into account the dangers of owning a wild reptile. This includes the dangerous risk of Salmonella.
  
  

Salmonella

• Salmonella is a bacteria carried by many reptiles that is harmful to both adults and children. The bacteria are found worldwide in cold- and warm-blooded animals and can infect in a variety of ways. Unclean food, excretions from sick or infected people or animals, polluted waters, improperly thawed fowl and reptiles (particularly turtles, tortoises, and snakes). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 6 percent of all U.S. salmonella cases can be traced back to reptiles or amphibians.
  
  

Infection

• Salmonella infections are easily transferred between animals and humans. The bacteria commonly lives in the intestines of humans and animals, but is dangerous when ingested and enters the stomach. Typical symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. These symptoms may develop as early as twelve hours into the infection and can last anywhere from four to seven days. Most healthy adults recover without specific treatment. However, in some cases the diarrhea caused by the infection can be dehydrating and require medical attention. Bacteremia can also be a complication if the bacteria enters your bloodstream and infects your body tissue.
  
  

Prevention

• Some states have outlawed many reptile pets as a precaution against salmonella infection. The import or sale of small turtles (with shells of less than 4 inches) have been banned in the United States. it's important to take precaution any time you are handling a reptile or keeping a reptile as a pet. Always wash your hands after coming in contact with excrement or handling the reptiles and never bring small reptiles into a home where infants are present.