This is news??

[GrowingaBeard]

http://www.apnewsarchive.com/2014/CDC-links-outbreak-of-rare-salmonella-to-bearded-dragons,-lizards-from-Australia/id-30f50c908bdc4c8f80ce7b1bb256aeb7

Um, are people just NOW figuring out that reptiles carry salmonella? I don't get it.

 

[Taterbug]

I agree it's a bit sensationalized by the news, since reptiles are a common carrier for salmonella, it's a little more than just that. The cdc page gives nice details IMO. http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/cotham-04-14/index.html

The current "outbreak" is unusual that it's a rare strain of salmonella typically not seen in such frequency, that some cases may be resistant to standard treatment. It's also been linked to dragons specifically in the majority of cases (87%). Reptiles are usually a lower percentage of more common strains. So it seems likely that a large scale breeder has some infection and is distributing it around the country. Anyway, I think that's why it's "news". I think it will be interesting to learn the source.

 

[mikeneezy]

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/bearded-dragon-lizards-infect-132-salmonella-n89146

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-bearded-dragons/

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/04/25/pet-bearded-dragons-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak-in-us/

Clean your cages people!!! And wash your hands!!!!

 

[pogismom]

Petco removed all their beardies from display recently due to the salmonella outbreak. They are housing them in the back sick bay room for observation and until they are giving the go ahead to sell them again. But like others have stated, I am sure the outbreak is also caused by poor awareness of personal hygiene when handling reptiles. Over 50% of the illness was found in children 5 and under...so that theory definitely holds up. But like Taterbug has pointed out too that the concern is the strain of salmonella that has been found. That it is resistant to the available treatments.

I wonder how this will effect the breeders at Repticon? Are they also restricted from selling reptiles that are being investigated? I would think those who breed on a small scale and sell to individuals vs. pet stores have better control over these kinds of illness...or do they? Anyone have any insight on this?