Will I catch salmonella from my pet reptile?

Salmonella and Your Pet Reptile – Should You Be Worried?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria commonly found in the digestive tract and faeces of many different animal species, including (but definitely not limited to) reptiles and amphibians. Before anyone panics and starts side-eyeing their gecko, let’s put things into perspective.

Reptiles and amphibians can carry a particular strain of salmonella known as Enteritidis PT8 in their gut, and yes, it is transmissible to humans. These animals shed the bacteria through their faeces, which means contact with contaminated surfaces, water, or dirty hands can potentially cause illness if the bacteria is accidentally ingested.

In simple terms: if you wash your hands instead of eating crisps immediately after handling your snake, you are already doing very well.

Good hygiene practices are the key to preventing salmonella contamination. This includes:

• Thoroughly washing your hands after handling your pet or anything in its enclosure
• Avoiding touching your face while handling your reptile or amphibian
• Keeping enclosures clean and free from faeces
• Regularly disinfecting food and water bowls
• Supervising children when handling pets (because children are tiny chaos goblins with poor hygiene standards)

It is also important to remember that the animal’s water source can contain a concentration of bacteria. Avoid getting enclosure water on your face or in your mouth. If your reptile’s bath water somehow ends up in your cup of tea, we recommend making entirely new life choices.

Will I Catch Salmonella from My Pet Reptile?

The short answer is: probably not.

Yes, reptiles and amphibians can pass on salmonella, but the actual risk is often exaggerated. In fact, you are statistically more likely to catch salmonella from the family cat or dog than from your bearded dragon.

Dogs and cats regularly groom themselves with their tongues and then enthusiastically lick human hands and faces with absolutely no regard for personal boundaries. Reptiles, meanwhile, generally keep to themselves and judge you silently from across the enclosure.

With sensible hygiene practices and a clean enclosure, the risk of becoming ill from your reptile or amphibian is very low.

Health & Safety Warning!!

Please do not lick your pet reptile or amphibian.

We understand they can look oddly smooth, adorable, or vaguely minty-fresh after a shed, but we cannot in good conscience recommend licking them. Ever.

Be safe. Wash your hands. Don’t drink the turtle water.

And above all else:

Do not lick the reptile.