The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Recommendations for Preventing the Transmission of Salmonella from Reptiles to Humans
- Pet store owners, veterinarians, and pediatricians should provide information to owners and potential purchasers of reptiles about the risk of acquiring salmonellosis from reptiles.
- Persons should always wash there hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling reptiles or reptile cages.
- 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.
- Pet reptiles should be kept out of households where children are less than 5 years or immunocompromised persons live. Families expecting a new child should remove the pet reptile from the home before the infant arrives.
- Pet reptiles should not be kept in child care centers
- Pet 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 to prevent contamination. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles or to wash their dishes, cages or aquariums. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.