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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 [[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.     

The common zoonosis associated with reptiles is [[Salmonella|salmonellosis]].  Subclinical infections of reptiles are common and [[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.