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Did you know...
- The most popular reptile pets in the United States are iguanas.
- Turtles and snakes are popular reptile pets, also.
- Iguanas, turtles, snakes and most reptiles carry the bacteria Salmonella inside their bodies.
- Iguanas, turtles, and snakes sometimes shed the bacteria Salmonella in their feces (waste).
- The type of Salmonella bacteria in these pets can cause life-threatening sickness in people.
What is Salmonella?
- Salmonella is a bacteria.
- Salmonella poisoning can cause vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramping.
- Most cases of Salmonella poisoning come from undercooked foods.
- Reptiles may have Salmonella on their skin, cages and anything else they touch.
What should you do if you own a Reptile?
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water immediately:
- after handling any reptiles
- after touching their cages
- before eating food
Remember the Reptile Rules!
- Always be sure an adult is with you when touching reptiles.
- Never eat or put anything in your mouth during or after touching your animals.
- Never clean cages in the kitchen or anywhere you make food for people.
- Always wash your hands with soap after touching reptiles. Washing with water alone is not enough to kill Salmonella.
- If you have open cuts or sores, cover them with bandages or put on rubber gloves before touching reptiles.
To read more about reptiles, go to "The Fright of the Iguana."
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