Well.. I have kept chameleons for about 6 years now.. and reptiles in general since I was 12 or so (I am 26 now). I have 2 panther cages, a baby veiled cage and 3 leopard gecko cages in my living room. I have a pygmie tank on a stand in my kitchen. I have a bearded dragon cage and 2 adult veiled cages in my bedroom (nobody can see each other
). I have been this way since I was small.. surrounding myself with reptiles. I have never once contracted salmonella. I have a 4 year old son as well, who handles the bearded dragon and leopard geckos frequently and has never had salmonella.
I am not saying that salmonella is not a threat.. just that as long as you practice proper handwashing and sanitizing, the threat is almost 100% eliminated. I wash my hands every single time I come in contact with one of my reptiles or one of their enclosures. I am also a fan of hand sanitizer gel. A weak bleach solution in a clearly marked spray bottle is also a great thing to have around if you keep reptiles, for around cage areas or places that you have let your pets crawl around. When I clean my reptile cages out, I do it outside and use the bleach solution to sanitize everything (just be sure to rinse and rinse).
Reptiles definitely carry salmonella.. this is not a disputed fact.. but that being said, many salmonella cases come from turtles and other aquatic reptiles who are in water that is soiled with their feces.. making the bacteria more prevalent on the animal's body. Turtles under 4 inches are no longer sold due to the fact that so many children were getting salmonella from putting the turtles in their mouth
As long as your are using common sense and some good hygiene, the risk is so remote that it is not a concern.. wash your hands often.. don't put your chameleon near your face or mouth.. don't touch your face or mouth immediately after handling.. don't let your chameleon walk around the kitchen counter... etc
