Their cute, not so cuddly, and some are even known for their ninja abilities, but according to the FDA they could just make you very very sick. Today we’re talking turtles and the FDA’s recent warning that they could just leave you and your children with a bad case of Salmonella. Waaay back in 1975 the FDA banned the sale of small pet turtles due to the increasing concerns that people could become ill after touching the reptiles. Still the practice of selling turtles with shells that are less than four inches long is still being reported and just this past year one Florida wildlife dealer was convicted of the illegal act after it was discovered that they had sold 1,000 tiny turtles to nearby pet stores. In 2007 hundreds of people contracted Salmonella after coming into contact with turtles and sadly many did not survive.
In an effort to curb the number of Salmonella cases involving turtles, the FDA has issued the following tips on how to best handle them:
· Don't buy small turtles for pets or as gifts.
· If your family is expecting a child, remove any pet turtle (or other reptile or amphibian) from the home before the infant arrives.
· Keep turtles out of homes with children under five years old, elderly people, or others with weakened immune systems.
· Do not allow turtles to roam freely through the house, especially in food preparation areas.
· Do not clean turtle tanks or other supplies in the kitchen sink. Use bleach to disinfect a tub or other place where turtle habitats are cleaned.
· Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching a turtle, its food or housing, or anything else that comes in contact with a turtle or its habitat.
· Be aware that Salmonella infection can be caused by contact with turtles in petting zoos, parks, child day care facilities, or other locations.
· Watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and headache. Call your doctor if you or your family have any of these symptoms.