Salmonella Question - Draco doesn't have it

[Dracosmommy]

My sister and I are having a debate. She doesn't think I should have Draco on couches or near my clothes for fear of transferring salmonella to us or the dog. I have read on here that a lot of you let your beardie on everything, clothes, couches and the like. My question is how high of a risk is it to be transfered to humans or my dog? I am thinking though it has to be pretty low from reading here about everyone. I just want to put her mind at ease. And also mine. :mrgreen: I do wash my hands after handling him or cleaning his aquarium.

 

[RobotLover]

i really don't think its an issue most animals that carry salmonella is usually ones that are in or near water all the time. i could be wrong but im not so worried about it my boyfriend has a weaken immune system and can be near anything like that, he holds them and lets them be on him if he doesn't worry I'm not about it. We have a marble salamander as well rarely touch it but id be more worried about him caring it.

 

[AHBD]

A lot of animals can carry salmonella, they don't always shed it though, and even with an infected aimal hand washing is the best preventive medicine. If the animal were defecating on you + your stuff, there would be cause for concern, but in general, using common sense, it should be safe. Only babies put there mouths on everything, so they are the ones that you would want to watch. I saw a thread a while back where a picture was posted with a beardie on a babies tray on the high chair...that would be something that I would avoid doing, also not putting any reptile on a surface used to prepare or eat food. Also, you might not want to bathe a baby in the same tub as the beardie unless you are scrupulous about washing the tub. Just my two cents.

 

[AtlasStrike]

Salmonella is in the fecal matter of many organisms just like E. Coli. The reason aquatic animals are often targeted as carriers of salmonella is because they defecate in the water and the bacteria ends up on the outside. I deal with my reptile's feces the way I deal with poultry. BLEACH!!! I am extremely neurotic about germs, but I have come to accept baby wipes as an appropriate way of dealing with reptile messes. Baby wipes first for skin, the animals themselves and hard surfaces. Then I can use clorox disinfecting wipes to my heart's content and throw everything else in the washer once the animals are safe in their homes. I let the snakes and Charlie on my bed and they sit with me on the couch and watch TV all the time. Charlie even runs all over my table. I just wipe it down before I eat.