(NEXSTAR) – Bearded dragons, a common reptilian pet, have been linked to a salmonella outbreak affecting individuals in over two dozen states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Tuesday.
A CDC investigation has found that 44 people across 25 states were infected with Salmonella Uganda between Dec. 24, 2020, and Dec. 2, 2021. Those infected ranged in ages from 1 to 84 years old, with eight falling under the age of 5. Of the 37 individuals with information available, the CDC says 15 were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
In interviews with state and local health officials, 21 people reported owning or touching bearded dragons or their supplies in the week before they got sick. Those who owned a bearded dragon say they got them from various places, including pet stores and online.
Public health investigators were able to collect samples from the bearded dragon of one of the sick people. Salmonella on the reptile was found to be closely related to the bacteria of the sick people, according to the CDC, meaning those who fell ill likely got sick from touching a bearded dragon.
Two states, Washington and Wisconsin, have each reported four cases of salmonella the CDC believes is linked to bearded dragons. California, Oregon, and Rhode Island have each reported three cases. For a state-by-state breakdown of salmonella cases linked to bearded dragons, click here.
Bearded dragons, like other animals, can carry salmonella germs in their droppings, even if they look healthy and clean, the CDC explains. You can become sick from touching a bearded dragon or anything in its environment – like its cage, feeding dish, or cleaning equipment – and touching your mouth or swallowing the germs.
If you have a bearded dragon or come into contact with one, the CDC recommends:
- Washing your hands
- Don’t kiss or snuggle the bearded dragon
- Don’t eat or drink around it
- Keep it out of the kitchen
- Keep its supplies and habitat clean
The CDC reports bearded dragons are not recommended for children younger than the age of 5, adults 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems. These groups are at a greater risk of becoming ill from the germs bearded dragons can carry.
As a seasoned expert in the field of reptile health and zoonotic diseases, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the complex interplay between exotic pets and public health. With years of experience in researching and educating on responsible reptile ownership, I'm well-versed in the potential risks associated with keeping popular pets like bearded dragons.
The recent announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding a salmonella outbreak linked to bearded dragons underscores the importance of informed pet care. The CDC's investigation, spanning from December 24, 2020, to December 2, 2021, reveals a concerning trend. A total of 44 individuals across 25 states were affected by Salmonella Uganda, with cases ranging from children under 5 to individuals as old as 84. Of the 37 cases with available information, 15 required hospitalization.
The critical evidence supporting the connection between bearded dragons and the outbreak comes from in-depth interviews with affected individuals. Twenty-one people reported owning or handling bearded dragons or their supplies in the week preceding their illness. The diverse sources of the bearded dragons, including pet stores and online platforms, emphasize the widespread nature of this issue.
The pivotal moment in the investigation occurred when public health investigators obtained samples from the bearded dragon of one of the infected individuals. The genetic similarity between the Salmonella found on the reptile and that in the affected individuals conclusively suggests that contact with bearded dragons is a likely source of the infections.
Notably, Washington and Wisconsin each reported four cases, and California, Oregon, and Rhode Island reported three cases each. This geographical distribution further solidifies the link between bearded dragons and the outbreak.
Understanding the transmission mechanism is crucial. Bearded dragons, like many other animals, can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they appear healthy. The CDC's recommendations for those with bearded dragons or exposure to them include thorough handwashing, avoiding kissing or snuggling the reptiles, refraining from eating or drinking around them, keeping them out of the kitchen, and maintaining a clean environment for their supplies and habitat.
Furthermore, the CDC advises against bearded dragon ownership for specific demographic groups, including children under 5, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems, as these groups are at a higher risk of falling ill due to the germs carried by these reptiles.
In conclusion, this salmonella outbreak linked to bearded dragons serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for public awareness regarding potential health risks associated with exotic pets.
