Pet turtles, especially those with shells less than 4 inches in length, are often natural hosts to Salmonella bacteria, and handling them or coming into contact with their habitats can lead to salmonellosis, the Food and Drug Administration has warned.
The recent death of a 4-week-old infant in Florida following an infection traced to the serotype Salmonella pomona from a pet turtle kept in the infant's home highlighted this risk and prompted the FDA to issue the warning. The FDA has banned the sale of under-4-inch turtles in the United States since 1975. According to an April 23 FDA consumer update, the size factor was based on the agency's judgment that larger turtles did not pose the same health threat because young children would not likely try to fit them into their mouths.
Salmonella bacteria are shed in the feces of infected turtles, then may spread to outer skin and shell surfaces. An infected turtle typically does not look or act sick. Testing may not prove a turtle is Salmonella free, since its feces may not always contain bacterial discharge.
The risk of mortality from salmonellosis is highest in infants, young children, the elderly, and any person whose immune system is weakened by pregnancy, disease, or cancer treatment.
To minimize potential contamination, the FDA recommends vigorous handwashing after touching pet turtles or any objects they have come into contact with, such as water dishes. For more information on the risks of turtle ownership, visit www.fda.gov/cvm/documents/turtlesflier.pdfwww.cdc.gov/healthypets/spotlight_an_turtles.htm