Pet Reptiles and Salmonella: What Every Owner Should Know

A recent study, authored and led by Public Health Ontario (PHO) researchers and partner agencies such as Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the Ministry of Health, found that more people in Ontario who got sick from Salmonella from 2015-2022 reported contact with pet reptiles. It highlights the need for better public awareness about safe pet handling.

Children, especially those under five, are more at risk because their immune systems are still developing. They often do not wash their hands thoroughly, have tendencies to put objects and hands in their mouths, and may not always be closely watched. Precautions, like handwashing and proper pet care, can go a long way in reducing the risk of illness.

We spoke with Dr. Katherine Paphitis, Enteric Zoonotic Specialist at PHO and lead author of the article, to learn more about the study and how parents and children can protect themselves from infections when handling their pets.

What are the main takeaways from the study?
Reptiles, particularly lizards, are becoming more popular as pets. At the same time, human cases of Salmonella infection linked to reptiles have also been reported, including as part of outbreaks across Canada. This shows why it’s important to take care of pet reptiles properly and keep up with their veterinary care, since poor care can increase the risk of Salmonella.

Our study shows that pet owners need to know how to reduce their risk of infection. Simple steps such as washing hands after handling reptiles, using separate dishes and containers for feeding and washing them, and keeping them away from hard-to-clean surfaces.

Who is most likely to get sick from Salmonella after being around reptiles or amphibians?
Young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are more likely to get sick because their bodies cannot fight infections as well. It’s important for anyone who has, or is thinking about getting, a reptile or amphibian as a pet to know that these animals can increase the spread of bacteria like Salmonella to people in their homes — including babies — even if no one touches the animal directly.

What is the age group with the largest percentage of cases? Did anything stand out to you about it?
Most people with Salmonella who said they had contact with reptiles or amphibians reported touching lizards or snakes. Fewer than 11 per cent said they had contact with amphibians.

Interestingly, we also found a link between the type of reptile or amphibian and the person’s age. Children under 10 years old made up the largest percentage of cases, who reported contact with amphibians. This may be because amphibians like frogs and salamanders are more likely to be handled by children as pets, or by picking up wild amphibians outdoors.

No matter the species, it’s important to remember that reptiles and amphibians can carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestines and can spread it to their surroundings, even if they do not look sick.

What can people do to protect themselves and prevent the spread of Salmonella from animals?
To reduce the risk of Salmonella infection, always wash your hands after handling reptiles, amphibians, or anything in their environment. Keep pet food and water containers separate from household dishes, containers or utensils, and clean these items regularly. It’s important to know that many common foods for these animals, such as crickets, other insects, and feeder rodents, can carry Salmonella too. Also, try to prevent spreading bacteria from hard-to-clean surfaces by avoiding letting pets or their food touch these surfaces, and cleaning or disinfecting them right away. Ideally you want to maintain a separate area for your pets and their food.

Parents and caregivers should always watch children when they are around these pets to make sure they wash their hands afterwards and don’t kiss or put the animals near their mouths (especially small turtles). Change your clothes after handling reptiles or amphibians before holding infants or small children to prevent bacteria from spreading through clothing.

What additional steps should we take if we are considering about getting a pet reptile or amphibian?
If you’re thinking about getting a reptile or amphibian as a household pet, talk to your veterinarian about how to care for them properly — including how to safely handle them, their diet and living environment. The way these pets are fed and cared for can impact their overall health and whether they shed Salmonella.

Check out more of Dr. Paphitis’ research on Research Gate.