Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Small Turtles

Warning label: Don't lick the turtles or play with their feces.


PSA for those who may be or have the chance to be in close contact with turtles. It seems the CDC has identified turtles as the cause of the latest salmonella outbreak.

In other words, leave the wildlife alone and wash your damn hands.


www.cdc.gov...

Many people in this outbreak purchased small turtles online before getting sick. Do not buy small turtles with shells less than 4 inches long. A federal law bans the sale of these small turtles as pets, because they have caused many Salmonella outbreaks, but they are sometimes available for sale online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands. Always take steps to stay healthy around your pet turtle.

Many people in this outbreak reported purchasing turtles with shells less than 4 inches long from online stores before getting sick. Three people in this outbreak purchased their turtles from a website called myturtlestore.com. The same strain of Salmonella making people sick in this outbreak was also found on turtles purchased from myturtlestore.com.

Pet turtles of any size can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and anything in the area where they live and roam.

You can get sick from touching your turtle or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food with unwashed hands and swallowing Salmonella germs.

I grew up with pet turtles, lizards, chickens, fish, even brought home a bat once. My daughters kids have turtles. We never got sick from them. Bottom line, don't kiss these critters or bring them to bed with you, and always wash your hands after handling.