CDC Warns About Having Bearded Dragons as Pets

Pets are thought of beloved members of the family. In reality, Pew Analysis confirmed greater than half (51%) of individuals within the U.S. thought of pets as a lot of part of their households as people. Cats and canines make up the vast majority of companion animals, and adults and kids alike could get pleasure from snuggle periods with these furry pals.

Nevertheless, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) warns towards cuddling—and holding—one other kind of pet: bearded dragons. The company issued a warning about salmonella linked to those reptiles on June 14, 2024.

The CDC report traced 15 instances of salmonella in 9 completely different states to bearded dragons. 4 folks have been hospitalized, however no deaths have been reported. Nearly all of instances (60%) have been in kids underneath 5. 

“Bearded dragons can carry salmonella of their droppings,” explains William Slemp, DO, a North Carolina-based pediatrician at Novant Well being Forsyth Pediatrics. “These droppings may cause the pet to have salmonella on their pores and skin or of their surroundings.”

The report issued a reminder that bearded dragons aren’t really useful as pets for folks youthful than 5, 65 and older, and immunocompromised as a result of they’re most in danger for critical sickness.

Well being care suppliers clarify the report, how salmonella can get from a bearded dragon to a human, signs, and finest practices for folks with household pets.

How Bearded Dragons Unfold Salmonella

It’s regular for bearded dragons to have salmonella.  

“Like most reptiles, bearded dragons carry a micro organism referred to as salmonella on their pores and skin,” says Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious illness knowledgeable with the Memorial Hermann Well being System in Houston. “That is regular for them in the identical method that it’s regular for people to have a micro organism referred to as staphylococcus on our pores and skin.”

Dr. Yancey says that as a result of salmonella is regular, it will probably’t be washed off and also can unfold to people. “Those that contact bearded dragons or their surroundings can get the germ on their pores and skin,” Dr. Slemp says. “If they aren’t cautious, the germ might be transferred to meals or their mouth after they contact their mouth or face.”

The pores and skin isn’t the one method it will probably unfold.

“Folks can get salmonella from bearded dragons by way of contact with the reptile’s feces or surfaces contaminated by feces,” says Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a California-based board-certified pediatrician at Windfall Saint John’s Well being Heart. 

Salmonella Signs and When To Search Care

Salmonella can immediate gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. Dr. Slemp shares telltale indicators embody:

“Signs begin between six hours and 6 days after ingesting the bacterial,” Dr. Slemp says. “Usually, signs resolve in 4 to seven days.”

Most signs will resolve after an an infection. “Although there might be different issues like reactive arthritis, which might trigger joint ache, eye irritation, and painful urination that may linger for longer and require therapy,” provides Dr. Slemp.

Whereas folks youthful than 5, older than 65, and immunocompromised are extra in danger for extreme illness, nobody is immune. “Some wholesome folks can find yourself within the hospital very sick, although, as some strains can infect urine, blood, joints, or the nervous system, inflicting a extreme sickness,” Dr. Slemp says. 

If unsure, name a well being care supplier, particularly if you take care of younger kids experiencing salmonella indicators.

“In case your youngster experiences these signs, contact a well being care supplier,” Dr. Ganjian says. “Salmonella might be critical, particularly for younger kids.”

Different Animals That Can Carry Illness

Whereas the present report specifies bearded dragons, different animals could make kids sick, particularly these underneath 5. Understanding the dangers may help you take advantage of knowledgeable selections in regards to the finest pet for your loved ones.

Reptiles

Dr. Yancey shares that each one reptiles, not simply bearded dragons, can carry salmonella. Moreover, reptiles can carry mycobacteriosis, a micro organism linked to tender tissue lesions, joint and bone infections, and lung illness in people. As with salmonella, kids, adults 65 and above, and immunocompromised are most in danger.

Rodents

Gerbils are additionally frequent family (and classroom) pets. However they, and different rodents, can carry micro organism. “Gerbils and different rodents can carry a micro organism referred to as lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus that may trigger meningitis,” Dr. Yancey says.

The CDC notes that rodents also can carry micro organism that may set off leptospirosis, which is unfold by way of pee and may trigger GI discomfort and fever, amongst different signs.

Birds

Whereas uncommon, getting sick from chook bites and scratches is feasible. 

“Birds can carry a micro organism referred to as Chlamydia psittaci that causes a uncommon type of pneumonia,” Dr. Yancey says.

The CDC says different potential infections unfold by way of pet birds embody histoplasmosis and psittacosis, and younger kids and people with weakened immune methods are most in danger for critical sickness. 

Can Canines or Cats Get Children Sick?

Canines and cats are essentially the most generally saved pets, however they’ll additionally trigger sickness. “The commonest infections from cats and canines are pores and skin infections after being bitten,” Dr. Yancey says.

What are the issues?

“Canines carry a micro organism referred to as Capnocytophaga canimorsus that may trigger bloodstream infections in folks with weak immune methods,” Dr. Yancey says. “Cats carry a micro organism referred to as Bartonella henselae that causes a illness referred to as cat scratch fever that’s transmitted by way of bites, principally from kittens.”

Ideas To Preserve Children Secure Round Animals

Whether or not you’re holding animals as pets or heading to a petting zoo, just a few easy measures can preserve everybody secure.

Dr. Yancey advises folks to:

• Wash arms after dealing with any animal
• Preserve the animal away from areas the place younger kids crawl
• Don’t let animals lick open wounds
• Preserve animals on leashes outdoors the house
• Keep away from utilizing your arms to separate preventing animals 

Dr. Ganjian emphasizes the significance of disposing of pet waste correctly and never permitting younger kids close to it (or giving them this duty as a chore).

Lastly, like folks, pets require common physician’s appointments.

“Take your animals to the vet repeatedly to make sure that they’re wholesome and never inadvertently inflicting illness within the house,” Dr. Slemp says.