Changes

==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|faecal 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://www.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.

* The [http://www.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.