Louisiana Turtle Farmers Push FDA For Change

Louisiana's turtle farmers are pushing the FDA to reverse it's 35 year ban on the sale of baby turtles due to Salmonellosis. Citing improved breeding technology, a thriving, open black market, lax enforcement and other pet related vectors such as snakes, lizards and other pets, the farmers feel that continuing the ban is singling them out.

Red Eared Sliders and other turtles that fall under the FDA Salmonellosis regulations are sold openly in not only in many pet stores nationwide, but also many gift shops, flea markets and other stores. Many are sold under the the aegis of the act's "educational" clause which provides ample "grey" area, but many are not.

Keeping any pet poses a variety of health risks regardless of whether that pet is a dog, cat, bird, or reptile. While occurring in far fewer instances than dog bites, or other pet related injuries and illness, reptile associated Salmonellosis does pose a risk to anyone that keeps or handles reptiles and amphibians.

Many organizations would have you believe that reptile associated Salmonellosis is such a risk that possession of reptiles by the general public should be banned or significantly restricted. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does NOT make that statement. By following the CDC recommendations below (click on the CONTINUED link) you should dramatically decrease the risk of infection to yourself and your family.

With all the factors cited by the turtle farmers, should the FDA reverse it's ban?

Center For Disease Control Salmonellosis Prevention Recommendations:

1. Pet store owners, veterinarians, and pediatricians should provide information to owners and potential purchasers of reptiles about the risk for acquiring salmonellosis from reptiles.
2. Persons should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling reptiles or reptile cages.
3. Persons at increased risk for infection or serious complications of salmonellosis (e.g., children aged less than 5 years and immunocompromised persons) should avoid contact with reptiles.
4. Pet reptiles should be kept out of households where children aged less than 5 years or immunocompromised persons live. Families expecting a new child should remove the pet reptile from the home before the infant arrives.
5. Pet reptiles should not be kept in child care centers.
6. Pet reptiles should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home or living area.
7. Pet reptiles should be kept out of kitchens and other food-preparation areas to prevent contamination. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles or to wash their dishes, cages, or aquariums. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.