SALMONELLA??

[marc26]

So just how common is samonella?? My lass wont let my baby touch it, i know that all lizards have risk ov carry it, but dosent mean it has!!! Also i always wash before and after handling, but i spoke to few people who had lizards all there lifes and never been a problem, also never infected them so is it as big problem as thought??

Just curious as my 4 year old loves lizards just as me plus i have a 8 month old.

I know washing hands is good practice anyway but im new to lizards before i had snake sand tarantula.

 

[RampantReptiles]

I know for a fact that leopard geckos have very little salmonella. Im pretty sure this is true of most lizard and snake species as well.
Salmonella tends to be more common in reptiles that spend more time in water.
Turtles are one of the worst for salmonella.

If you wash hands before and after you wont have any problems.

 

[Thorgecko707]

+1
Leopard geckos rarely spread it because of the low humidity levels. Always wash your hands, just in case. Children are more prone to it because of reduced immune systems.

 

[katie_]

I had all my turtles tested. I'm not sure how the vet did it, this was a long time ago - but it can be done.

 

[GeckoCrossing]

Keep their homes clean, clean up poop asap, and wash your hands before and after handling and you'll have no problems

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Salmonella is possible in ANY animal, not just reptiles. However, it is extremely rare for leopard geckos to carry this bacteria. It is most common in more tropical reptiles. In the nearly 17 years I have been working with leopard geckos, I have NEVER heard of a case of salmonella. The suggestions about washing hands after handling a leopard gecko is a good practice, not matter what.