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Lizards and snakes present problems to handlers and owners not just because of their venom and size but also due to the possibility of zoonosis.  Care must be taken with all lizards when they are handled even if they are not perceived as dangerous.  Consider the following points.

Lizards and snakes present problems to handlers and owners not just because of their venom and size but also due to the possibility of zoonosis.  Care must be taken with all lizards when they are handled even if they are not perceived as dangerous.  Consider the following points.

==Zoonoses==

==Zoonoses==

The common zoonosis associated with reptiles is [[Salmonella|salmonellosis]].  Subclinical infections of reptiles are common and the [[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] can often be isolated from faeces.  However, most reptiles naturally carry these [[Bacteria|bacteria]] as a component of their indigenous gut flora, and they are rarely a cause of primary disease.  Over 2400 different serotypes of [[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] are known and all should be considered pathogenic.  Shedding of salmonella organisms can be intermittent and therefore all reptiles should be considered positive and managed appropriately, regardless of fecal culture results.     

The common zoonosis associated with reptiles is [[Salmonella|salmonellosis]].  Subclinical infections of reptiles are common and the [[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] can often be isolated from faeces.  However, most reptiles naturally carry these [[Bacteria|bacteria]] as a component of their indigenous gut flora, and they are rarely a cause of primary disease.  Over 2400 different serotypes of [[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] are known and all should be considered pathogenic.  Shedding of salmonella organisms can be intermittent and therefore all reptiles should be considered positive and managed appropriately, regardless of [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation|fecal culture]] results.     

*Pregnant women, children under five years and immunocompromised persons should avoid contact with reptiles and reptile implements

*Pregnant women, children under five years and immunocompromised persons should avoid contact with reptiles and reptile implements.

*The [http://cdc.gov CDC] recommends that reptiles should not be kept in child-care centres and households in which persons at risk reside

*The [http://cdc.gov CDC] recommends that reptiles should not be kept in child-care centres and households in which persons at risk reside.

*Provide information to potential purchasers and owners about the risk of acquiring [[Salmonella|salmonella]]

*Provide information to potential purchasers and owners about the risk of acquiring. [[Salmonella|salmonella]]

*Proper hygiene measures should be conducted around reptiles at all times in order by reducing exposure to faeces of infected animals  

*Proper hygiene measures should be conducted around reptiles at all times in order by reducing exposure to faeces of infected animals.

*Reptiles should be kept out of sites where potential for transmission exists

*Reptiles should be kept out of sites where potential for transmission exists.

[[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] is the most important zoonotic agent.  Reptiles can also harbour several different opportunistic Gram-negative bacterial pathogens that can infect humans. These include [[Aeromonas species, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Vibrio species|''Aeromonas'']], [[Campylobacter species|''Campylobacter'']], [[Enterobacteriaceae|''Enterobacter'']], [[Klebsiella|''Klebsiella'']], [[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae|''Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae'']], ''Pseudomonas'', [[Mycobacteria spp.|''Mycobacterium'' spp.]], ''Coxiella burnetti'', [[Chlamydia and Chlamydophila species|''Chlamydophila psittaci'']], ''Aspergillus'', [[Systemic Mycoses|''Zygomycosis'']], [[Yeast-like fungi|''Candida'']], ''Trichosporon'', ''Trichophyton'' and [[Ticks|ticks]].  These potentially zoonotic diseases can be managed by practicing routine hygiene practices.

[[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] is the most important zoonotic agent.  Reptiles can also harbour several different opportunistic Gram-negative bacterial pathogens that can infect humans. These include [[Aeromonas species, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Vibrio species|''Aeromonas'']], [[Campylobacter species|''Campylobacter'']], [[Enterobacteriaceae|''Enterobacter'']], [[Klebsiella|''Klebsiella'']], [[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae|''Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae'']], ''Pseudomonas'', [[Mycobacteria spp.|''Mycobacterium'' spp.]], ''Coxiella burnetti'', [[Chlamydia and Chlamydophila species|''Chlamydophila psittaci'']], ''Aspergillus'', [[Systemic Mycoses|''Zygomycosis'']], [[Yeast-like fungi|''Candida'']], ''Trichosporon'', ''Trichophyton'' and [[Ticks|ticks]].  These potentially zoonotic diseases can be managed by practicing routine hygiene practices.

===Hygiene===

===Hygiene===

The majority of reptile-related [[Salmonella|salmonellosis]] reported in humans could be avoided if common sanitary practices were followed.  Washing hands with soap is an effective method to remove [[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] organisms and minimize contamination of the environment.  This should always be carried after handling any animal.  Disinfectants, such as sodium hypocholorite, should be used to disinfect the reptile enclosure including food and water dishes, and other cage furniture.  Gloves should always be worn, and cleaning should not take place in the kitchen or bathroom.

The majority of reptile-related [[Salmonella|salmonellosis]] reported in humans could be avoided if common sanitary practices are followed.  Washing hands with soap is an effective method to remove [[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] organisms and minimize contamination of the environment.  This should always be carried after handling any animal.  Disinfectants, such as sodium hypocholorite, should be used to disinfect the reptile enclosure including food and water dishes, and other cage furniture.  Gloves should always be worn, and cleaning should not take place in the kitchen or bathroom.

 

*For more information, see lizard and snake [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice|day to day practice]] and [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]].

'''Useful resources'''

'''Useful resources'''