Salmonella bacteria

Salmonella lives in and develops within the digestive system of its hosts as well as their environments.  Hosts can include cold and warm blooded animals which include humans.  The elderly, young, and people with immune deficiencies are the most susceptible to becoming infected with this bacteria.  

Our animals are bred in captivity under clean conditions and all tools used are clean as well.  We have set strict sanitary and disease prevention protocols to ensure that diseases such as salmonella are kept from being spread from animal to animal, as well as animal to human.  Because of the wide reach of salmonella, it is not out of the realm of possibility that a frog could be exposed to salmonella through items brought into a vivarium or by contact with a human that may transfer the bacteria in on their hands. However, with proper precautions, the possibility of contracting this bacteria is minimal.

The elderly, young, and people with immune deficiencies are the most susceptible to becoming infected with this bacteria.

Salmonella is a very resilient bacteria.  Some studies have found bacteria were able to remain active for weeks following contamination of rooms in a home and can live on food and some dry environments for years.  It can survive being frozen as well.  All warm and cold blooded animals can carry types of this disease, although birds and reptiles are more likely to carry them.  Strong UV light and heat are two ways that are used to destroy the bacteria.  

The CDC has helpful information on Salmonella Prevention and General Information.  With all this said, the best way to prevent contamination is precaution.  

Use gloves

Gloves can create a barrier between you and the animal and its environment that can help prevent the transfer of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and harmful chemicals.

Wash hands (before and after going into a vivarium)

Washing your hands is an important part of pet ownership. Let’s face it - our animals don’t have the same hygiene.  Washing your hands before going into a vivarium will help to protect the frog from any contaminants that may be on your hands.  Washing your hands after will protect you from spreading any harmful contaminants that may be in the vivarium.

Ensure equipment used is all sterilized properly

It's important to use properly selected items when building and maintaining your vivarium. This will help to minimize the introduction of harmful contaminants.  Purchase all items from a reputable store and ensure they are meant to be used for a vivarium. Also, make sure they're safe for the frogs and the mini ecosystem you are building.

Be responsible

 A well maintained tank will have a much less likelihood of having harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, than an ill maintained tank.  This means you will have healthier frogs and also less potential of the transfer of harmful contaminants from your vivarium to you.

Four easy ways to keep you safe from salmonella and diseases like it:

• Use gloves
• Wash hands
• Sterilize equipment
• Be responsible

Links of Interest:

http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/The-Vet-Report-Salmonella-In-Reptiles/

https://www.avma.org/amphibians-reptiles-and-salmonella