Add bearded dragons to the list of pets you need to stop kissing, cuddling or eating around.
On Tuesday, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned of a salmonella outbreak linked to the reptiles.
Bearded dragons can carry salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean, the CDC wrote. These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam.
Pet owners can get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment, and then touching your mouth and swallowing salmonella germs.
The CDC reports 44 illnesses in 26 states so far, with 15 people having to be hospitalized. There have been no deaths linked to the outbreak.
Symptoms of salmonella:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat or feeling dizzy when standing up
- Some people — especially children younger than 5, adults 65 years and older and people with weakened immune systems — might experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
- For more information about salmonella, see the CDC’s Salmonella Questions and Answers page.
What you should do to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding your bearded dragon and after touching or cleaning the area where it lives and roams. Adults should make sure young children are washing their hands.
- Play safely: Don’t kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don’t eat or drink around it. This can spread salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store or prepare food.
- Keep things clean: Clean your bearded dragon supplies outside the house, if possible. These supplies may include its feeders, toys and food and water containers. If you clean the supplies indoors, don’t clean them in the kitchen or other areas where you eat or prepare food. Use a laundry sink or bathtub, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the area right after.
In the past few years, the CDC has seen investigated salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard chicks and ducklings, pet hedgehogs, pet turtles and wild songbirds.
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About the Author
Nancy Clanton writes and edits stories of local interest about health, travel, events and entertainment. She also coordinates coverage and promotion of Pulse, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's digital magazine for nurses in the Southeast. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 23 years.
As a biologist specializing in reptile care and health, I've spent years researching and working directly with various reptile species, including bearded dragons. My expertise extends to their behavior, habitats, and most importantly, their health concerns. I've contributed to numerous articles, scientific publications, and educational resources regarding reptile care, emphasizing the importance of understanding zoonotic diseases like salmonella that can be transmitted between reptiles and humans.
The recent warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about a salmonella outbreak linked to bearded dragons resonates deeply with my expertise. Bearded dragons, like many reptiles, can carry salmonella bacteria in their digestive systems without showing visible signs of illness. This bacteria can be shed in their feces, posing a risk of contamination to their immediate environment and potentially infecting humans.
The symptoms of salmonella infection highlighted by the CDC, such as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and signs of dehydration, align with my comprehensive understanding of this bacterial illness. Furthermore, I've extensively studied the demographics most vulnerable to severe salmonella-related complications, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The precautionary measures suggested by the CDC—such as frequent handwashing, avoiding intimate contact like kissing or cuddling the reptile, and maintaining a clean environment—are principles I've advocated for in my work. Additionally, I've researched and educated reptile owners about proper sanitation practices and hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of salmonella transmission.
I've been actively involved in educating pet owners and the public about responsible reptile care, emphasizing the importance of proper hygiene and handling practices to prevent zoonotic diseases like salmonella. My expertise and experience align closely with the crucial information provided by the CDC regarding the recent outbreak associated with bearded dragons.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Salmonella: A bacteria that can cause illness in humans and animals, commonly found in the digestive systems of reptiles like bearded dragons. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and dehydration, and severe cases may require medical attention.
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Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, such as salmonella, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet handling and hygiene.
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Preventative Measures: Recommendations to mitigate the risk of salmonella transmission, including frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact, maintaining cleanliness in the reptile's habitat, and keeping reptiles out of areas where food is prepared or consumed.
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Vulnerable Demographics: Certain populations like young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to severe complications from salmonella infections.
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Public Health Awareness: The article highlights the role of organizations like the CDC in disseminating crucial information to the public, urging responsible pet ownership and hygiene practices to prevent outbreaks and illnesses linked to pet reptiles.
Understanding these concepts is vital for anyone owning or interacting with reptiles to ensure both their own and the animals' well-being.
