Danger of infection also for toddlers Reptile keepers must pay attention to the hygiene

Risk of infection by reptiles: Keepers must be careful of good hygiene
While most reptiles are most likely to be poisonous, there are other health threats as well. Many of the animals can transmit threatening bacteria. Especially small children and weakened people are at risk. Reptile holders must therefore pay attention to good hygiene.

Infants and the weakened should not be in contact with reptiles
According to experts, nearly 30 million pets live in German households. The majority of them are cats and dogs. But also snakes or turtles are popular with many Germans. A news agency dpa notes that reptiles often have salmonella in the body and can pass it on to their owners. Those who have a reptile at home should therefore make sure that the animals are not in contact with babies, toddlers and people with a weakened immune system.

Reptiles are also quite dangerous as pets due to their exposure to Salmonella. (Image: participation photo / fotolia.com)

Bacteria can cause disease
Salmonella are bacteria that can cause various diseases in humans - especially in the gastrointestinal area. Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is usually associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, it can come through the vomiting diarrhea in the further course to a dehydration (dehydration) of the organism with additional health consequences.

Ensure adequate hygiene
If it comes to appropriate symptoms and a doctor is visited, this should be informed that reptiles live in the household. It is important to keep reptiles as hygienic as possible. If, for example, terrariums are cleaned in the sink, they must also be properly cleaned and disinfected. Under no circumstances should the animals have contact with food. In addition, they should not stay where food is prepared or consumed. This has been pointed out by the German Veterinary Society.

Do not definitely treat animals with antibiotics
In addition, reptiles must always be kept in an appropriate manner and with expertise. In addition, regular veterinary visits are important. However, the experts of the company advise against always proceeding with antibiotics against the salmonella of the animals. In this way, multi-resistant germs could arise. (Ad)