I recently read an article in the February issue of Woman’s Day magazine about how reptiles and amphibians are becoming more predominant pets. In the last 10 years, the number of non-traditional pets like lizards and turtles has gone up by about 75% however health experts are warning that they are bigger health risk than many might think.
Around 11% of reported salmonella cases in people under the age of 21 are due to contact with reptiles or amphibians. Larry K. Pickering, MD, and infectious disease expert who wrote the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recent report on nontraditional pets said, “Small turtles are a particular danger to young children because they often carry salmonella but are handled like toys.”
If you have young children in the house, toddlers in particular, having more traditional pets like cats, dogs, and goldfish are a safer bet. And be sure to have the hand-sanitizer handy for when they’re finished playing with them.
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