Salmonella outbreak, food worries...

[Pasakaina]

On the news, I read that there is a "Salmonella outbreak" in the U.S right now (which is where I'm living for the time being). I bought my beardies about a year and a half ago, and have never had any salmonella or parasite problems. I do, however, get my reptile food (mealworms and crickets) at petco. Should I be worried that my beardies will get infected by salmonella from their food? Do insects even carry it? :?

 

[Taterbug]

Salmonella from reptiles is usually linked to poor hygiene (dirty cages, poor hand washing habits). I'm not sure the feeders wouldn't have it, but probably it's the lizards. I do believe reptiles can be screened for salmonella by a vet.

Poor dragons, they are going to get a some bad press over this. :/

 

[Pasakaina]

Yeah, poor dragons. My mom keeps calling me saying "Oh, no! Don't forget to wash your hands! I told you getting reptiles was a bad idea!" etc. :lol: Well, my beardie's tanks are clean, and my hand washing habits are good, too. But I'm still really wondering about the feeders. Because that's really the only "outside source" I can think of that can cause salmonella in my beardies (unless they had it when I bought them 1.5 years ago).