Children younger than 5 should not handle turtles.
Most turtles carry a dangerous disease called salmonella that is easily passed from turtles to humans through handling. This disease is harmless to the turtle, but can be serious in small children.
Salmonella and Turtles
Peteducation.com indicates that 85 percent of all turtles carry the salmonella bacteria in their intestinal tracts. The bacteria leaves the body through the feces. Baby turtles are especially dangerous because they carry the bacteria on their skin and shells, as well.
Four-Inch Law
In 1975 the Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of turtle eggs and turtles smaller than 4 inches in length in an effort to prevent salmonella infections in children. This helps prevent salmonella in children because they often put the infected turtles in their mouths or touch their mouths after handling the turtles.
How Salmonella Spreads
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella can be spread in a variety of ways, including by handling turtles or by coming in contact with surfaces where a turtle has been, such as an aquarium.
Symptoms
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most evident symptoms of salmonella poisoning, or salmonellosis. The victim may also experience headache, fever or an upset stomach. The disease can be treated with antibiotics.
Prevention/Solution
Wearing disposable gloves when cleaning out reptile cages will help limit the spread of the disease. Reptile cages should not be washed in the same areas where food is prepared.
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