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Question about salmonella

J

JnJGeckos

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I've always had reptiles/amphibians but I now have a 4 month old daughter. I just wanted to find out if I should be worried about salmonella, she will not be touching them at all but I don't know if something can be airborn. Just need some help. Thanks
 
The key is common sense. Wash your hands immediately after handling, feeding, cleaning, etc. Clean any spills immediately. Dispose of dirty substrate immediately (as in get rid of it, so the trash bag isn't laying around). If she spends a lot of time around the tanks, make sure you clean/disinfect the area regularly. If she touches the tank, wash her hands. Some of this is overkill, but I have seen Salmonella in infants/young children (not from reptiles or amphibians) - it isn't pretty. Aside from the initial ugliness, it can present child care problems later on. One woman I know lost her day care when her son got salmonella, even after it was resolved they wouldn't take him back (I still think it was just a convenient excuse, lol)
 
I don't know that it is found in any particular species more than others. Bottom line is that any enclosed animal is a risk. I would be inclined to guess that turtles and amphibians are of more risk than most snakes & lizards due to the differences in typical housing and maintenance...but, if you stay on top of the cleaning, you shouldn't have an issue.
 
yea thanks I always cleaned out my stuff on a timely manner it's just all the articles I read say if you have a child under a year don't have reptiles/amphibians in the home. I guess that's what gets me nervous the most but like you said if I wash my hands properly and keep everything clean I shouldn't have a problem.
 
I also wouldn't clean any reptile or amphibian equipment in the kitchen or bathroom. I would only clean it in the basement or outside, if you are forced to use the bathroom make sure you do a super job cleaning up afterwards.
 
Good point, Don. I do use the tub for cleaning; but when I'm done, I splash in a little bleach and use a disinfectant wipe to clean up.
 
what do you guys think about articles saying that with ppl that have children under a year not have reptiles, is this something i should worry about. also what do you guys use as a cleaning solution. thanks again
 
People with children under the age of one year need to be conscious of the need for handwashing...and should not let their infants lick the pretty frogs.

I use Chlorhexidine or bleach (or both), depending on the item. If something has been used for a quarantined or sick animal, I don't skimp on the cleaning process - it's dish soap, bleach, dish soap, chlorhexidine. Remember, both Chlorhexidine and bleach are most effective when sprayed, wiped (but left wet), and allowed to air dry. The contact time is a big part of the process
 
thanks so much I've been into reptiles/amphibians for a very long time but now I'm being very careful since my daughter is more important than anything else. So thanks for the info. and help.
 
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