Salmonella gastroenteritis is the most common
animal-associated illness in the United States. Contact with
many types of animals can result in salmonellosis. However,
reptiles have become a significant source of this illness due
to the increasing popularity of reptiles as pets. According to
the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
each year approximately 93,000 reported cases of salmonellosis
result from direct or indirect contact with reptiles or
amphibians. Thousands of these cases require hospitalization,
and at least 20 resulted in death.
The CDC has warned that reptile-associated salmonellosis has
become a significant health threat to the American public.
These facts have not dissuaded Americans from bringing pet
reptiles into their households. In fact, according to the
American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA), reptile
and amphibian ownership has shown a remarkable 44 percent
increase since 1998. Currently, approximately nine million
reptiles and amphibians are kept in approximately 3.9 million
households.
To read our report on reptiles and human health, download
the PDF.
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