ADVICE TO REPTILE OWNERS & HANDLERS
There is an inherent risk of salmonella infection associated with exotic pets,such as reptiles and that risk is elevated in children & those with impaired immune systems.The health risk includes handling,feeding & cleaning of reptiles & vivariums where salmonella is present on surfaces or on the reptile may contaminate the handler.They may also be a risk associated with handling of raw (frozen or defrosted) mice,rats or chicks which may also be contaminated.Increaced awareness through publicity of these risks is required to ensure that both reptile owners,pet shops & rescues are aware of these risks,& can act accordingly
The Health Protection Agencys Advice is as follows(1)Families with young children should be aware of the health risk associated with owning a reptile as a family pet. (2)Pet shop owners should advice their customers of the potential risk associated with reptile ownership.(3)Pet reptiles should be kept out of kitchens & food preparation areas(4)Kitchen sinks should not be used for bathing reptiles or cleaning reptiles dishes or vivariums.If bathtubs are used for these activities,they should be cleaned thoroughly with disinfectant.(5)Good hand hygiene practices should be employed at all times when handling & looking after any pet.This means that anyone handling a reptile or an object that has been in contact with a reptile should wash their hands thoroughly immediatly afterwards.(6)Hand-washing after touching a reptile is particulary important before feeding a baby,young child or immunocompromised person,as this could pose a risk to them.
