The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Recommendations for Preventing the Transmission of Salmonella from Reptiles to Humans
- Pet store owners, health-care providers, and veterinarians should provide information to owners and potential purchasers of reptiles about the risk of acquiring salmonellosis from reptiles.
- Person at increased risk for infection or serious complication of salmonellosis (e.g., children aged less than 5 years and immunocompromised persons) should avoid contact with reptiles and amphibians and any items that have been in contact with reptiles and amphibians.
- Reptiles and amphibians should be kept out of households that include children aged less than 5 years or immunocompromised persons. A family expecting a child should remove the pet reptile or amphibian from the home before the infant arrives.
- Reptiles and amphibians should not be allowed in child-care centers.
- Persons always should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling reptiles and amphibians or their cages.
- Reptiles should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home or living area.
- Pet reptiles should be kept out of kitchens and other food-preparation areas. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles and amphibians or to wash their dishes, cages or aquariums. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.
- Reptiles and amphibians in public settings (e.g., zoos and exhibits) should be kept from direct or indirect contact with patrons except in designated animal-contact areas equipped with adequate hand-washing facilities. Food and drink should not be allowed in animal-contact areas.