Rare Form of Salmonella Bacteria Carried by Pet Bearded Dragons

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified a rare bacterium in the terrarium of a bearded dragon that might be responsible for the higher number of cases of salmonella poisonings in the past two years.

132 people across 31 states have fallen ill to salmonella in the past two years, but the source of the bacteria was unknown. The CDC reported yesterday that pet bearded dragons carried the rare bacterium - Salmonella cotham - and were purchased in pet stores across the United States.

The bearded dragons can shed the rare bacteria and the CDC has warned pet owners to wash their hands after handling the lizards and keep them out of kitchen, sinks, and bathtubs. It is also suggested that they be kept away from children because over half of those infected (58%) were children younger than five. And although no deaths have been reported, 42% of the people infected were hospitalized.

The CDC's salmonella investigation began in January when the Wisconsin Department of Health reported a cluster of the rare salmonella infections and the fact that most of the patients came into contact with bearded dragons. Thus far, the CDC has interviewed 31 people, 27 of which have said they were in contact with reptiles and 21 specifically with bearded dragons. Other pets that can carry the rare bacteria are frogs, toads, turtles, snakes, hedgehogs, chicks, and ducklings.

Salmonella samples were collected from three patients so researchers can test for antibiotic resistance. One sample was found to be resistant to ceftriaxone, which is an antibiotic used to treat serious salmonella infections. But now that they've found the source and have samples on hand, the infections will most likely remain under control.

In the meantime if you own a reptile or come into contact with one, the CDC suggests that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, clean your reptile's habitat outside of the home, wash anything the pet may have touched, and keep the pets out of homes when children under the age of five are present.

You can read more about the multi-state salmonella outbreak in this Live Science article.