Reptiles are fascinating creatures, and they can be wonderful pets. However, they also pose some risks to owners—one of which is the transmission of certain diseases, including botulism and salmonella. Oftentimes, these reptiles won’t show signs of disease themselves, meaning you must exercise caution with every reptile you come across. You must wash your hands, avoid inhaling feces, and take other precautions to avoid contracting zoonotic illnesses.
Let’s look at some of the most common and serious zoonotic diseases that pet reptiles can spread now.
1. Salmonella: A Common Zoonotic Disease
Salmonella is one of the most well-known illnesses that pet reptiles can transmit to their owners. It’s not just undercooked chicken that can spread salmonella. Reptiles, including pet snakes, turtles, and lizards can carry this nasty disease. Salmonella is even present in some dogs’ saliva! Symptoms of salmonella can include vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers. It typically lasts for a couple of days, but it can progress and require hospitalization. Young children are the most susceptible because they don’t always wash their hands properly after holding pet reptiles.
Salmonella is contagious, so exercise caution. Nobody wants a child to spread the disease to a vulnerable grandparent inadvertently. Reptiles can carry salmonella bacteria in their droppings and on their skin. To keep yourself safe, wash your hands after handling reptiles, even if you wear gloves. Also, wipe any surfaces they touch with an anti-bacterial agent.
2. Botulism: A Rare But Serious Illness
Reptiles rarely spread botulism, but it’s possible. Pet owners could inadvertently swallow the bacterial spores while eating. Unlike salmonella, the reptiles may also contract the disease and display symptoms. Yellow-bellied slider turtles are among the most vulnerable, but other species can contract and spread this condition. Botulism is particularly dangerous for young children under 12 months old (but they shouldn’t be handling reptiles anyway!).
Very young children don’t have the natural immunity to protect against this condition. It’s also why most jurisdictions advise against keeping turtles in households with young children. Again, owners should always wash their hands properly after handling turtles or decorations in the terrarium. This will significantly lower the chances of suffering from botulism. This illness is something to take very seriously, but it’s very avoidable if you are hygienic!
3. Infections from Aeromonas Bacteria
Aeromonas infections are another disease that can spread from reptiles to humans. This bacterium triggers severe diseases. Usually, reptiles contract it from contaminated water. Infected reptiles can also spread it into their terrarium water and infect their human owners. There are many symptoms, including skin lesions and ulcers. Necrosis may develop in the most serious cases. Humans rarely experience aeromonas infections as severely as reptiles, but it’s still a threat.
Never prepare human food in the same place as a reptile’s. This is one of the most common ways to spread this zoonotic disease. Treatments may include applying an ointment or taking vitamin supplements. In cases with severe necrosis, surgery may be necessary for the reptile. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for humans with aeromonas infection. Sea snakes and turtles are the most likely to spread this condition.
4. External and Internal Parasites
Reptiles can also spread parasites that harm humans. Geckos are one of the chief culprits in tropical climates because they’re almost always present in homes. However, pet reptiles can also spread them if you don’t clean them properly. They may have different worms, like hookworms and roundworms. These can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. Usually, a doctor can prescribe appropriate medication to get rid of them.
Cryptosporidium comes from another nasty parasite that lives in the intestines of infected hosts. Reptiles transmit it through their droppings. Again, it’s essential to wash your hands after touching reptiles or cleaning after them. This bacterium also disproportionately impacts very young children and infants. It’s also important to stay hydrated to prevent the complications stemming from dehydration.
5. Campylobacteriosis: Similar to Salmonella
Campylobacteriosis is very similar to salmonella with almost the same symptoms. The main difference is that it has a longer incubation period than salmonella.
Afflicted pet owners usually experience diarrhea and fever. Some may even have bloody stools in extreme cases. Usually, people get it from undercooked food, but reptiles can also pass it to their owners. Reptiles may also spread campylobacteriosis through their stool.
It won’t shock anyone that washing your hands immediately after handling your pet lizard or snake is the best way to stay safe. Regular tank cleaning is also crucial to try and eliminate any unwanted bacteria. Infected people usually feel sick for about a week. Drink plenty of fluids and visit the doctor if you suspect that you’ve contracted an illness from your pet reptile. A medical professional will prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
6. Mycobacterium Marinum Infections Affect People and Pets
Fish usually spread mycobacterium marinum infection, but certain reptiles, including pet snakes, lizards, and turtles, can too. Humans and reptiles experience this infection in different ways. Humans will develop nodular granulomatous disease (which can have both respiratory, skin, and respiratory-related symptoms); reptiles may develop tuberculosis-like symptoms. Usually, owners get it when they accidentally drink contaminated water or through an open wound.
Wear gloves when handling your reptile if you have any cuts on your finger. This reduces the chance of direct contact between the wound and the infected water. It’s not fun to deal with this condition because the treatment can take a month. Ulcers and even septic arthritis may develop in more progressed cases.
