Salmonella from Pocket Pets
The Salmonella germ is actually a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in humans.
They are microscopic living creatures that pass from the feces of people or animals, to other
people or other animals. Animals can carry this germ and not appear to be ill. Rodents, like
reptiles, may spread Salmonella to people.
Choosing a Pocket Pet
When choosing a pocket pet, don't pick one that is quiet, tired, has diarrhea, or looks sickly.
The pet should be lively and alert with a glossy coat free of droppings. The animal's breathing
should be normal. There should be no discharge from the eyes or nose.
| General
Information on Washing your
Hands after Handling Animals
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How
to wash your hands:
o
Wet hands with running water
o Place soap into palms
o Rub hands together to make a lather with the soap
o Scrub all surfaces of hands vigorously for 20 seconds or longer
o Rinse soap off of hands with running water
o Dry hands with a paper towel
o It is advisable to turn off the faucet using a disposable towel.
o Young children need assistance in washing hands.
When
to wash your hands:
o After touching any animals, even your own pets.
o After touching equipment, cages, fences, food bowls that may
be contaminated by animals
o Before eating
o Before handling or preparing foods
o After using the restroom
o Anytime your hands appear visibly dirty
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If one of the animals in the cage in a pet store has diarrhea or looks sick, the others may have
been exposed to an infectious disease. Do not choose any of these animals as your pet. Wash your
hands immediately after handling pet store animals or after touching animal cages or bedding.
If your pet dies soon after you buy it, it could have been ill with a disease that could also
make people sick. Tell the pet store and do not reuse the cage until it has been cleaned and
disinfected.
Tips for Preventing Salmonella from Rodents
- Washing hands with soap and water after handling rodents or their cages and bedding is the
most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of Salmonella transmission.
- When cleaning up droppings from your pet, always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Young
children, especially those younger than five years old, should be closely supervised when
cleaning cages and should wash their hands immediately following handling rodent feces.
- Do not eat food or smoke while handling your pet.
- Do not handle pets in food preparation areas.
- Do not kiss your pet or hold it close to your mouth.
Learn more about pocket pet-related diseases, below.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus from Pet Rodents
“A
Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Tymphimurium Outbreak Associated with Small
Rodents Purchased at Retail Pet Stores – United States, December
2003-October 2004”
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