Keeping Reptiles can be risky to the health of thy Young
In actual fact keeping any pet poses its own set of individual risks. Dogs can bite. Cats can scratch. Hamsters can nibble you. But it seems the lizard like variety has its own unique set of risks, set far apart from the behavioural problems the furry varieties often pose.
All born from an article appearing in the Australian Medical Journal (AMJ). Said article sets out the risks that keeping reptilian pets pose to children.
After examining several case studies, researchers concluded that there really is such a thing as 'reptile associated salmonellosis'. Simply put Salmonella contracted by the young after being in contact with a reptile (usually their pet).
We are not talking about a simple, mild case of food poisoning like symptoms, this form of Salmonella is very aggressive, especially when caught by children, and often results in hospitalisation. Many a worried parent have already acted on the research and re-homed their beloved pet.
These reptiles may look cute and quirky, may be a talking point and indeed may make a superb pet, however many of the reptiles people choose to keep as pets have salmonella living in their gastrointestinal tracts, when they go to the toilet live bacteria is periodically shed, child goes to say hello to lizard, child then sucks thumb...you get the picture...
And yes, it may well be science gone mad, you and your children may well be more and risk of picking up nasty germs from simply going about your daily business. But the risk is still there, such is the seriousness of such worries, that consumers in Australia are urging breeders and suppliers of exotic pets to warn and educate parents of the risk before purchase.
Remember...you heard it here first!
To read about canine Salmonella click here.
Image source: flickr user travlinman43
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