Turtle to Human Disease

There are many types of turtles throughout the world. Some live freely in the wild dealing only with what nature has in store for them. Others are captured for food and pets. Contact between turtles and humans can be problematic.

  1. Ban on Turtles

    • Since 1975, the United States has banned the sale of turtles 4 inches and under in size. This ban is a direct result of cases of salmonella poisoning in children linked to pet turtles.

    Salmonella

    • Children have been known to put small turtles in their mouth.

      Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease. There are many types of salmonella and they can make people very sick. Turtles are known for passing on the disease. It causes intestinal problems and has caused death.

    Mycobacterium

    • Mycobacterium has recently been found on turtles in Australia. It acts like staph on human skin. If humans come in contact with an infected turtle, the bacteria can cause a lesion to form on their skin. People get the infection through open cuts. Healthy people would probably not get sick, but the disease is considered highly contagious.

    Aeromonas Hydrophila

    • Aeromonas hydrophila is a bacteria found in freshwater areas. It has been discovered in the turtle population. It can be transferred to humans through contact. It causes gastrointestinal problems and is extremely serious for people with compromised immune systems.

    Turtle Meat

    • People do eat turtle. People who ingest contaminated turtle meat can get sick. It is no different than any other contaminated food.