Will I catch salmonella from my pet reptile?

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 commonly carry a variety of Salmonella bacteria as part of their normal gut flora. These bacteria can occasionally be transmitted to humans through contact with faeces, contaminated surfaces or enclosure water.

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!!

Despite what sensational headlines occasionally suggest, reptiles are not tiny salmonella delivery systems waiting to ruin your afternoon and make you intimately familiar with the back of the toilet door. Millions of people around the world keep reptiles perfectly safely every year.

Wash your hands.

Keep the enclosure clean.

Don't drink the turtle water.

And, in what has somehow become necessary advice in the 21st century—along with a packet of dry roasted peanuts stating that it "may contain nuts"...

Please do not lick the reptile.