Human Health Hazards Associated with Turtles
Information for Regulators and Public Health Educators
The sale of turtles with a carapace* length of less than 4 inches has been banned in the U.S. since 1975 because of the public health impact of turtle-associated salmonellosis. This regulation is enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in co
Regulation – Title 21, Part 1240.62 of the Code of Federal Regulations 21 CFR 1240.62 (b) and Compliance Policy Guide 7129.01
The regulation banning the sale of turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches is based on the Public Health Service Act (section 361) and is enforced by FDA in co
21 CFR 1240.62 (b) sales, general prohibition states: (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/aprqtr/21cfr1240.62.htm ):
Except as otherwise provided in this section viable turtles eggs or live turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches shall not be sold, held for sale, or offered for any other type of commercial or public distribution.
· Exemptions: 21 CFR 1240.62 (d)
The sale, holding for sale and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs for bona fide scientific, educational, or exhibitional purposes, other than use as pets.
· Sales intended solely for export from the
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The illegal sale of turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than a year, or both, for each violation.
Potential Hazard/Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Salmonella. Anyone can get Salmonella infection, but the risk is highest in infants and young children as well as the elderly, and people who have lowered natural resistance to disease due to pregnancy, cancer,
chemotherapy, organ transplants, diabetes, liver problems, or other diseases. Symptoms of the disease may include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. Symptoms usually start within 6 to 72 hours after a person is exposed to Salmonella, and they generally last for 2 to 7 days.
Prevention
Salmonella are naturally occurring bacteria in turtles and those with Salmonella usually do not appear sick in any way. In addition, turtles do not shed Salmonella all of the time. So, just because a turtle might have one negative test for Salmonella doesn’t mean that they are not infected. It could mean that the turtle was not shedding Salmonella on the day it was tested.
The public needs to recognize that turtles are a possible source of salmonellosis for humans; and that turtles are not suitable pets in households with young children or immunocompromised persons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has conducted outreach efforts to provide risk information to the public via pet retailers. In addition, State and local health departments and the pet industry joint Advisory Council and the Humane Society have conducted education efforts. However, the level of public health awareness about the hazards of turtle ownership remains low.
Conclusion
The ban on the sale of turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches is a necessary public health measure. FDA urges Agency field staff and State and local regulators and public health educators to help increase awareness of the ban and the human health risk associated with turtles. FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has developed a flier for consumers on this subject which is posted on our Home Page at: http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVMConsumers.html .
*Thick shell that covers the back of a turtle
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