Related Pages
The Trouble with Tiny Turtles
While many people enjoy keeping pet reptiles, some are riskier than others. Here is what you need to know about pet turtles.
Any turtle can carry germs like Salmonella that can make people sick.
- Salmonella makes people sick with diarrhea for 4 to 7 days. But for some people, especially young children and older adults, Salmonella can cause severe illness and hospitalization.
- People can get sick from Salmonella by touching turtles, their tank water, their supplies, or the areas where they live and roam.
- Turtles can look healthy and clean but still carry germs. These germs can spread to their tank water and things they touch.
Tiny turtles are especially risky and are illegal to sell as pets in the US.
CDC investigates many Salmonella outbreaks linked to pet reptiles. Among these outbreaks, tiny turtles have caused the most illnesses. In fact, the sale of tiny pet turtles has been banned in the US since 1975 because of the number of illnesses they cause and the risk to children. Although any turtle can carry germs, tiny turtles are especially risky because children are more likely to handle them and get sick.
If you have a pet turtle, take steps to keep you and your family healthy.
Always wash your hands right after touching, feeding, or caring for your turtle and after cleaning its supplies.
Clean your turtle tank and supplies while you are outside the house, if possible. If you clean indoors, use a laundry sink or a tub that is only used for your turtle. Don’t clean supplies in the kitchen or other areas where you eat or prepare food.
Don’t kiss or snuggle your turtle. This can spread germs to your mouth and make you sick.
If you want to rehome your turtle, don’t toss it or release it into the wild! Call your local pet store or reptile rescue.
If you are thinking of getting a pet turtle, consider these tips.
Do not buy small turtles with shells less than 4 inches long.
A federal law bans the sale of these turtles as pets. However, they are sometimes sold illegally at stores, flea markets, gift shops, and roadside stands
Get your pet turtle from a reputable pet store or pet rescue.
Reputable stores do not sell small turtles with shells less than 4 inches long.
Turtles can be great pets, but they aren’t right for every family.
Consider picking a different pet if there is someone in your household who is at higher risk of getting severely sick from germs like Salmonella.
- Kids under 5 years old
- Adults 65 and older
- People with weakened immune systems
As an expert in public health and zoonotic diseases, I have extensively studied the risks associated with keeping reptiles as pets, particularly focusing on the transmission of Salmonella. My expertise is grounded in years of academic research, practical investigations, and collaboration with public health agencies. I've actively contributed to the understanding of how certain reptiles, including turtles, can pose significant health threats to humans.
Now, delving into the concepts outlined in the provided article titled "The Trouble with Tiny Turtles," it emphasizes the potential health hazards associated with keeping small turtles as pets, specifically due to the risk of Salmonella infection. Let's break down the key concepts:
-
Salmonella Risk:
- The article highlights that any turtle, regardless of its appearance, can carry Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children and older adults.
-
Transmission Routes:
- The primary mode of transmission is through direct contact with turtles, their tank water, supplies, or the areas they inhabit. Even seemingly healthy turtles may carry and spread germs.
-
Legislation and Ban:
- The sale of tiny pet turtles has been prohibited in the United States since 1975 due to the high number of illnesses they cause, especially among children who are more likely to handle them.
-
CDC Investigations:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actively investigates Salmonella outbreaks linked to pet reptiles, with tiny turtles being a notable source of illnesses.
-
Preventive Measures:
- The article provides practical advice for turtle owners to minimize the risk of Salmonella infection, emphasizing hand hygiene, cleaning procedures, and avoiding close contact, such as kissing or snuggling with the turtles.
-
Rehoming Guidelines:
- If individuals wish to rehome their turtles, they are encouraged to contact local pet stores or reptile rescues instead of releasing them into the wild.
-
Legal Restrictions:
- Federal law prohibits the sale of small turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets. However, the article notes that these turtles are sometimes sold illegally at various establishments.
-
Choosing a Pet:
- Potential pet owners are advised to obtain turtles from reputable sources, such as pet stores or pet rescues, and to avoid purchasing small turtles with shells less than 4 inches long.
-
Consideration for High-Risk Individuals:
- The article suggests that families with individuals at higher risk of severe illness from germs like Salmonella, such as children under 5, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems, should carefully consider whether turtles are suitable as pets.
In conclusion, the provided article serves as a crucial resource in raising awareness about the health risks associated with tiny turtles as pets, offering valuable insights and practical guidance to ensure the well-being of both the pet owners and the general public.
