Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes food-borne illness. This illness (salmonella infection or salmonellosis) usually includes the symptoms of diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Salmonella are transmitted via consumption of contaminated food usually of animal origin like poultry, eggs and meat. Reptiles as turtles are also said to cause salmonella infection.
With a red-eared turtle, such infection is attained mostly by children through improper handling and hygienic reasons.
Salmonella from Red-eared sliders prevention
- Keep the area of the turtle clean
Salmonella bacteria tend to linger to a Red-eared Sliders surroundings. By keeping the area clean, risks of Salmonella infection can be lessen.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a Red-eared Slider
Washing the hands is the number one rule in keeping oneself sanitary. However, do not wash merely with water. Wash your hands with soap, scrubbing vigorously from the wrists down to your finger tips for about 20 seconds.
- Talk to your kids about salmonella infection
Give your kids a warning about the salmonella infection and its consequences. Inform them on how to handle a red-eared the proper way (not putting them in the mouth, kissing them or cuddling them) and more importantly; be responsible in reminding them to wash their hands all the time.
