CDC Warns About Having Bearded Dragons as Pets

Pets are thought-about beloved members of the family. In truth, Pew Analysis confirmed greater than half (51%) of individuals within the U.S. thought-about pets as a lot of part of their households as people. Cats and canines make up the vast majority of companion animals, and adults and youngsters alike could take pleasure in snuggle periods with these furry buddies.

Nevertheless, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) warns towards cuddling—and protecting—one other kind of pet: bearded dragons. The company issued a warning about salmonella linked to those reptiles on June 14, 2024.

The CDC report traced 15 circumstances of salmonella in 9 completely different states to bearded dragons. 4 folks have been hospitalized, however no deaths have been reported. The vast majority of circumstances (60%) have been in kids underneath 5. 

“Bearded dragons can carry salmonella of their droppings,” explains William Slemp, DO, a North Carolina-based pediatrician at Novant Well being Forsyth Pediatrics. “These droppings could cause the pet to have salmonella on their pores and skin or of their atmosphere.”

The report issued a reminder that bearded dragons aren’t beneficial as pets for folks youthful than 5, 65 and older, and immunocompromised as a result of they’re most in danger for severe sickness.

Well being care suppliers clarify the report, how salmonella can get from a bearded dragon to a human, signs, and greatest practices for folks with household pets.

How Bearded Dragons Unfold Salmonella

It’s regular for bearded dragons to have salmonella.  

“Like most reptiles, bearded dragons carry a micro organism known as salmonella on their pores and skin,” says Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious illness professional with the Memorial Hermann Well being System in Houston. “That is regular for them in the identical means that it’s regular for people to have a micro organism known as staphylococcus on our pores and skin.”

Dr. Yancey says that as a result of salmonella is regular, it may well’t be washed off and may unfold to people. “Those that contact bearded dragons or their atmosphere can get the germ on their pores and skin,” Dr. Slemp says. “If they don’t seem to be cautious, the germ might be transferred to meals or their mouth once they contact their mouth or face.”

The pores and skin isn’t the one means it may well unfold.

“Folks can get salmonella from bearded dragons by contact with the reptile’s feces or surfaces contaminated by feces,” says Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a California-based board-certified pediatrician at Windfall Saint John’s Well being Middle. 

Salmonella Signs and When To Search Care

Salmonella can immediate gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. Dr. Slemp shares telltale indicators embody:

“Signs begin between six hours and 6 days after ingesting the bacterial,” Dr. Slemp says. “Usually, signs resolve in 4 to seven days.”

Most signs will resolve after an an infection. “Although there might be different problems like reactive arthritis, which may trigger joint ache, eye irritation, and painful urination that may linger for longer and require therapy,” provides Dr. Slemp.

Whereas folks youthful than 5, older than 65, and immunocompromised are extra in danger for extreme illness, nobody is immune. “Some wholesome folks can find yourself within the hospital very sick, although, as some strains can infect urine, blood, joints, or the nervous system, inflicting a extreme sickness,” Dr. Slemp says. 

If doubtful, name a well being care supplier, particularly if you take care of younger kids experiencing salmonella indicators.

“In case your baby experiences these signs, contact a well being care supplier,” Dr. Ganjian says. “Salmonella might be severe, particularly for younger kids.”

Different Animals That Can Carry Illness

Whereas the present report specifies bearded dragons, different animals could make kids sick, particularly these underneath 5. Understanding the dangers may also help you take advantage of knowledgeable choices concerning the greatest pet for your loved ones.

Reptiles

Dr. Yancey shares that every one reptiles, not simply bearded dragons, can carry salmonella. Moreover, reptiles can carry mycobacteriosis, a micro organism linked to comfortable tissue lesions, joint and bone infections, and lung illness in people. As with salmonella, kids, adults 65 and above, and immunocompromised are most in danger.

Rodents

Gerbils are additionally frequent family (and classroom) pets. However they, and different rodents, can carry micro organism. “Gerbils and different rodents can carry a micro organism known as lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus that may trigger meningitis,” Dr. Yancey says.

The CDC notes that rodents may carry micro organism that may set off leptospirosis, which is unfold by pee and might trigger GI discomfort and fever, amongst different signs.

Birds

Whereas uncommon, getting sick from hen bites and scratches is feasible. 

“Birds can carry a micro organism known as Chlamydia psittaci that causes a uncommon type of pneumonia,” Dr. Yancey says.

The CDC says different potential infections unfold by pet birds embody histoplasmosis and psittacosis, and younger kids and people with weakened immune techniques are most in danger for severe sickness. 

Can Canine or Cats Get Children Sick?

Canine and cats are probably the most generally saved pets, however they will additionally trigger sickness. “The commonest infections from cats and canines are pores and skin infections after being bitten,” Dr. Yancey says.

What are the considerations?

“Canine carry a micro organism known as Capnocytophaga canimorsus that may trigger bloodstream infections in folks with weak immune techniques,” Dr. Yancey says. “Cats carry a micro organism known as Bartonella henselae that causes a illness known as cat scratch fever that’s transmitted by bites, largely from kittens.”

Ideas To Maintain Children Secure Round Animals

Whether or not you’re protecting animals as pets or heading to a petting zoo, just a few easy measures can hold everybody protected.

Dr. Yancey advises folks to:

• Wash fingers after dealing with any animal
• Maintain the animal away from areas the place younger kids crawl
• Don’t let animals lick open wounds
• Maintain animals on leashes exterior the house
• Keep away from utilizing your fingers to separate preventing animals 

Dr. Ganjian emphasizes the significance of disposing of pet waste correctly and never permitting younger kids close to it (or giving them this duty as a chore).

Lastly, like folks, pets require common physician’s appointments.

“Take your animals to the vet recurrently to make sure that they’re wholesome and never inadvertently inflicting illness within the house,” Dr. Slemp says.