Turtle-Associated Salmonellosis

Lamm, Steven H.; Taylor, Andrew; Gangarosa, Eugene J.; Anderson, Herbert W.; Young, W. Jackson; Clark, Mary H.; Bruce, Arthur R.

doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a121418

Cited by 86 publications

(14 citation statements)

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“…have been demonstrated by studies of direct contact transmission from pet turtles to humans, particularly children. In response to studies that established turtles as an important source of human salmonellosis ( 34 , 35 ), federal legislation in 1975 prohibited the sale and distribution of turtles <4 inches in carapace length. Still in effect today, this ban coincided with an 18% reduction in Salmonella infections among children 1–9 years of age ( 36 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Farm Animal Contact as Risk Factor for Transmission of Bovine-associatedSalmonellaSubtypes

Cummings¹,

Warnick²,

Davis³

et al. 2012

Emerg. Infect. Dis.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Farm Animal Contact as Risk Factor for Transmission of Bovine-associatedSalmonellaSubtypes

Cummings¹,

Warnick²,

Davis³

et al. 2012

Emerg. Infect. Dis.

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“…Up to the 1970s, pet turtles represented a major source of salmonellosis in the USA, annually contributing an estimated 14 to 23% of salmonellosis cases among children [280,281]. This prompted numerous state governments to mandate certification of Salmonella free status for all locally sold pet turtles, and since 1972 the USA FDA required similar certifications for all pet turtles sold in interstate commerce [281].…”

Section: Reptiles Amphibians and Fish As Sources Of Human Infectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Animal contact as a source of human non-typhoidal salmonellosis

Hoelzer

Switt

Wiedmann

2011

Vet Res

412

383

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Non-typhoidal Salmonella represents an important human and animal pathogen world-wide. Most human salmonellosis cases are foodborne, but each year infections are also acquired through direct or indirect animal contact in homes, veterinary clinics, zoological gardens, farm environments or other public, professional or private settings. Clinically affected animals may exhibit a higher prevalence of shedding than apparently healthy animals, but both can shed Salmonella over long periods of time. In addition, environmental contamination and indirect transmission through contaminated food and water may complicate control efforts. The public health risk varies by animal species, age group, husbandry practice and health status, and certain human subpopulations are at a heightened risk of infection due to biological or behavioral risk factors. Some serotypes such as Salmonella Dublin are adapted to individual host species, while others, for instance Salmonella Typhimurium, readily infect a broad range of host species, but the potential implications for human health are currently unclear. Basic hygiene practices and the implementation of scientifically based management strategies can efficiently mitigate the risks associated with animal contacts. However, the general public is frequently unaware of the specific disease risks involved, and high-risk behaviors are common. Here we describe the epidemiology and serotype distribution of Salmonella in a variety of host species. In addition, we review our current understanding of the public health risks associated with different types of contacts between humans and animals in public, professional or private settings, and, where appropriate, discuss potential risk mitigation strategies.

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“…Exposure to small turtles ( Figure ) has been recognized as a source of human salmonellosis in the United States since the 1960s, when small baby turtles first became a popular pet ( 3 ). By the early 1970s, ≈15 million turtle hatchlings were sold annually in the United States, 4% of all US households owned at least 1 pet turtle at a given time, and 14% of human salmonellosis cases were attributed to exposure to small pet turtles ( 4 ). In 1975, to prevent turtle-associated salmonellosis among children, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enacted a ban prohibiting the intra- and interstate sale and distribution of turtles with a shell length of <4 in (<10.16 cm) within the United States; after this ban, the small turtle industry turned to the export trade ( 5 – 7 ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…children <5 years of age, seniors, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons). Turtle-associated salmonellosis disproportionately affects persons at high risk for severe illness, particularly infants and young children ( 3 , 4 , 12 – 16 ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%