Moon's Graden

I have heard through a friend that Australian snakes can pass on diseases
to humans.

Is this true?

Do Australian pythons carry salmonella?

Are children more likely to catch diseases from snakes?

Thanks

Philip.

I have heard through a friend that Australian snakes can pass on diseases
to humans.

Is this true?

Do Australian pythons carry salmonella?

Are children more likely to catch diseases from snakes?

Thanks

Philip.

It is certainly possible to have diseases transmitted from any animal
to humans.  Parasites are also a concern.  If you care for animals and
clean their cages, I do not recommend that you bite your fingernails.
For instance, eastern indigo snakes can carry a parasitic worm that can
be directly transmitted to humans.  The only 'cure' for it is via
surgical removal.  That would certainly ruin your day!

Rich Zuchowski
SerpenCo

Many animals are capable of passing on diseases to humans, but the
likelihood of it depends on (1) how the animal is cared for; and (2) what
the person who handles the animal does in the way of handwashing, etc.  

If an animal is kept in clean conditions, and if you always wash your
hands after handling the animal, infection is less likely.  (Also,
reptiles may come into your care already having parasites and infections.
This is particularly likely with wild-caught and pet store animals.  It's
less likely but not impossible with captive-bred animals.)

There was a large-scale problem with salmonella from hatchling turtles
some years ago, and the ban on pet store sales of baby turtles presumably
helped (it certainly saved thousands of turtles from needless, slow,
neglectful deaths).  Young children are at greater risk for salmonella
infection because of the increased chance of putting things into their
mouths.

Just remember common sense.  Grocery store chicken can be a source of
salmonella, too, if we aren't careful about handling and cooking it.

Michael Smith

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All reptiles and many other animals including chickens, not just
Australian snakes, can pass salmonella, other bacteria and parasites
to humans when unhygienically handled and cared for. For a complete
discussion on reptile-associated salmonella, please visit our websites
as clickable links on:

http://www.xmission.com/~gastown/herpmed/med.htm

The book "Medical Herpetology" -- see the website link on
the above details  dozens of conditions transmittable from
reptiles to humans (diseases known as "zoonoses") and what should
and could be donme about so you can enjoy your reptiles in
health and safety.

Steve Grenard

http://www.xmission.com/~gastown/herpmed/

yep - salmonella seems to be the biggest fear - but getting it in
perspective, I bet you have more chance of getting salmonela through
your own kithchen.

just adopt sensible hygiene standards

:

I'm wising up, honest I am. I now keep a dispenser of SoftSoap's
antibacterial formula in the bathroom...and I don't eat at Taco Bell
after about 3:00....

ecosse... H. Aggis... Right. I get it. <groan> You ought to be flogged
for that, you know. 8-/

-- Jean

   Wintertree Software      | Remember to remove the spambot-blocker
http://www.io.com/~wtsoft   | from my address before replying via email

"When the foolkiller comes, we'd better ALL hide in the tall grass"

All reptiles can transmit diseases, especially turtles.  Your best bet is
to use common sense when working with and handling your animals.  Always
wash your hands with a bacterial soap after working or handling your
animals.  Be careful not  to handle food stuff without washing your hands.
 Keep your enclosures as clean as possible.