Snapping Turtles & Salmonella

A bacteria known as salmonella can live and grow in the intestinal tract of their hosts. Snapping turtles, like other reptiles, can harbor salmonella contagion and pass it on to humans. The bacteria can live in and on the turtle or be spread by contact with the animals cage or other habitat. Salmonella does not make the turtle ill, only the humans that come in contact with it. Sometimes, salmonella can be life threatening

  1. Snapping Turtles

    • Common snapping turtles live in many places in America and they reach about sixty pounds when fully developed. Alligator snappers are even bigger, weighing up to two hundred fifty pounds in adulthood. Both live a very long time, so anyone that chooses a snapper as a pet must commit to their care for a lifetime. Snappers like living in muddy water and like to eat aquatic plants, fish, small birds, invertebrates and other amphibians.

    Turtle Care

    • Snappers have special needs because of their size and long life span. If you have one as a pet, providing an adequate enclosure for it to freely roam is essential. A heated source of water and gravel and driftwood in the enclosure will help to make it closer to a natural habitat. A basking light mimics sunlight for their basking requirements. Live feed or frozen fish and supplements is a healthy snapper diet.

    Salmonella Infection

    • All reptiles are carriers of salmonella bacteria. Infection will produce symptoms of intestinal distress such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever and general malaise. If you suspect that you have contracted salmonella bacteria, immediately see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The best way to avoid having your turtle become a carrier is not to feed them uncooked meat or fowl and keep their enclosure clean. Washing your hands helps to avoid salmonella sickness.

    Statistics

    • According to the CDC, reptiles, including snapper turtles, are responsible for seven percent of salmonella poisoning each year. They estimate about forty out of six hundred people die from reptile-related salmonella infection each year.

      The CDC recommends that people considering keeping a reptile as a pet should not have young children in the household. Salmonella infection can be fatal to young children and the elderly.

    Warnings

    • Never allow a child to kiss a turtle. It is simply too dangerous. These turtles are aggressive and are salmonella carriers. It is also hazardous to bathe a turtle in sinks or tubs that other pets or humans use. A snapper has powerful jaws. Always maintain caution when near the animal. If a snapper latches onto a finger, it won't let go.