Although they appear harmless, small turtles continue to infect unsuspecting admirers with salmonella—a problem that has grown in recent months, according to the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (Washington) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta).

From May 1, 2007, to Jan. 18, 2008, CDC received reports of salmonella infection in 103 people—most of them children—in 33 states. While no deaths were reported as a result of infection, 24 people were hospitalized for an average of four days and 51 reported bloody diarrhea that lasted for an average of seven days.  
         
Health officials found that most of the infected people were exposed to a turtle or its enclosure shortly before they became ill. The strain of the disease that caused the outbreak in most cases was the same strain found on the turtles they owned, or in their habitats.

Infected people reported purchasing turtles from pet stores, flea markets, street vendors, online sources or conference center events. According to FDA, the ongoing multi-state outbreak of salmonellosis is associated with the continued purchase of small turtles—those with a carapace length less than 4 inches—from such outlets. Although the sale and distribution of small turtles has been prohibited since 1975, small turtles may be sold legally for scientific, educational or exhibition purposes. According to FDA, this exception may lead to disease-causing small turtles becoming household pets.

Turtles and other reptiles commonly carry salmonella bacteria on their outer skin and shell surfaces. Even though the bacteria do not make turtles sick, it can cause serious or life-threatening infection in people. Infected people may show symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and headache. Symptoms usually appear six to 72 hours after contact with the bacteria and last two to seven days. Most people recover without treatment.

The FDA offers several tips to help prevent the spread of salmonellosis:
•  Don’t buy small turtles for pets or gifts.
•  Remove pet turtles from the home before an infant arrives.
•  Keep turtles out of homes with children younger than 5, elderly people or people with weakened immune systems.
•  Don’t allow turtles to roam freely through the house, especially in food preparation areas.
•  Don’t clean turtle tanks or other supplies in the kitchen sink. Use bleach to disinfect tubs or other places where turtle habitats are cleaned.
•  Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any turtles, their housing or anything that comes into contact with them.
•  Be aware that salmonella infection can stem from contact with turtles in petting zoos, parks, day care facilities or other locations.
•  Call your doctor if you or family members show any symptoms of salmonella infection. [April 2008 PET AGE]