Changes

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.

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

* The [http://cdc.gov|Centre for Disease Control] 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.