For members that own reptiles/amphibians and have children under a year of age.

[jose]

Hi I'm new to the forum, I introduced myself but I don't know what happened to the post. My question is are any of you concerned with salmonella, I've owned reptiles/amphibians for years but now I have a 4 month old daughter and I'm nervous of starting a new collection again. I would like to get everyone's inputs on what you think and how you prevent salmonella. Thanks

 

[cameron]

Wash your hands thouroly after holding animals and that should do the trick

 

[jose]

yea that's what I always have done but all these articles say if you have children under a year old not to have any reptiles/amphibians in the household. thanks

 

[cameron]

as long as the animals are kept out of reach and probably sight of the children so that they are completely blocked of from any trace of animal bacteria.

They should not be allowed in the room that way they cannot be contaminated by germs

 

[edward]

That is the current recommendations by the AMA and the CDC. This is due to the risk of secondary transmission by going from the enclosure to the child or something the child will access or cleaning items where food prep, tooth washing etc occurs.

Ed

 

[jose]

thanks for all the info. I think I'm gonna pass on starting up again. I'll wait til my daughter is older, I don't want any germs floating around and having her get sick god forbid. Thanks again.

 

[michael]

That's a personal decision. My kids are all adults but I've had amphibians since they were infants. With proper precautions risk can be minimized.

 

[alberto]

I had both newts and turtles as pets when my kids where very small and never had any problems.
Best wishes!

 

[jose]

yea I think I'll wait til she is 6 months that way her immune system is alittle stronger. I appreciate all advice. I'll keep saving money so I can buy triple the amount of stuff lol. Thanks

 

[joseph]

A good precaution might be to reserve one sink(a laundry room one is great) for the animals. I was fortunate to have one and this is where most all the fish/amphibian water goes. Usually sometime during the week bleach will go down it too.