Salmonilla

[Ramrod]

One of the questions asked on a pre-vet visit was "has your reptile ever been tested for salmonilla?" Just wondering how frequently this is found in chameleons. I have not seen anyone posting on this subject so thinking it may not be a concern among chams? Anyone care to comment on this?
Thanks

 

[kinyonga]

I've been keeping chameleons and other reptiles for over 30 years and only once did one have salmonella...and I've had many many tested/necropsied.

Just make sure you wash your hands and don't lick or kiss the chameleon!

 

[PabloTheCham]

don't lick or kiss the chameleon!

Well why even have a cham then ?

 

[janjan20]

Yes they do, I am a former “bacteria wrangler” ? and tested/cultured 2 unrelated chameleons of mine. They both had it. I wash my hands after handling any of my chameleons lol!

 

[Ramrod]

Yes they do, I am a former “bacteria wrangler” ? and tested/cultured 2 unrelated chameleons of mine. They both had it. I wash my hands after handling any of my chameleons lol! View attachment 277806

Interesting, did you check just because you were curious or was the cham showing any odd symptoms?

 

[nightanole]

Uhhh i thought all reptiles had it, i thought it was part of the natural gut flora. Just keep your critters clean, you will get sick from a dirty dog, cat, lizard, or just a lizard that decided to walk in its own poo, and then on your hand.

Also club #doesntwashhandsafterhandling

 

[PabloTheCham]

Interesting, did you check just because you were curious or was the cham showing any odd symptoms?

I agree with @nightanole , I don't think there are symptoms for salmonella since all reptiles have it

 

[Ramrod]

Uhhh i thought all reptiles had it, i thought it was part of the natural gut flora. Just keep your critters clean, you will get sick from a dirty dog, cat, lizard, or just a lizard that decided to walk in its own poo, and then on your hand.

Also club #doesntwashhandsafterhandling

Well, that's kind of confusing then because if it were a natural occurrence why would a vet be asking that question?
That's what seemed kind of weird to me.?

 

[PabloTheCham]

Well, that's kind of confusing then because if it were a natural occurrence why would a vet be asking that question?
That's what seemed kind of weird to me.?

Yeah I don't know why a vet would ask that since according to the cdc,
"One important germ is Salmonella. Salmonella is normally in the digestive tract of healthy reptiles and amphibians, but it can cause infections in people who have contact with reptiles, amphibians, and their environments, including the water from terrariums or aquariums where they live"

 

[Ramrod]

Yeah I don't know why a vet would ask that since according to the cdc,
"One important germ is Salmonella. Salmonella is normally in the digestive tract of healthy reptiles and amphibians, but it can cause infections in people who have contact with reptiles, amphibians, and their environments, including the water from terrariums or aquariums where they live"

Yea, I just learned something new today. I love this place. Thanks for setting things straight. This was from a new vet I was checking out. Maybe not the one I want to see.?

 

[CJ's Exotics]

Yeah I've had Salmonella, definitely take the proper precautions, it's not worth it.

 

[PabloTheCham]

Yeah I've had Salmonella, definitely take the proper precautions, it's not worth it.

What's it like?

 

[JacksJill]

Red eared sliders used to be notorious for causing salmonella in children.
It is like having your guts turned inside out at both ends.

 

[JoXie411]

Also club #doesntwashhandsafterhandling

Sooooo we are skipping dinner night at @nightanole house

 

[jannb]

It’s pretty rare in chameleons. My vet says you are more likely to get it from the food that we eat.

 

[PabloTheCham]

It’s pretty rare in chameleons. My vet says you are more likely to get it from the food that we eat.

How is it rare for chameleons if it is present in all reptiles' digestive tract?

 

[CJ's Exotics]

What's it like?

It sucks, I'll tell you that. My whole body was sore and I was physically weak, and it leaves your guts in terrible shape. So prepare food properly, and wash your hands!

 

[janjan20]

Interesting, did you check just because you were curious or was the cham showing any odd symptoms?

My first Cham was sick when I did the culture but it didn’t show any abnormal Pathogens and the salmonella was in low numbers. The plate in the pic was isolated from my second Cham. He was being treated for coccidia so I thought I would look at his poo too. Same kind of bacteria and low colony count.

 

[janjan20]

How is it rare for chameleons if it is present in all reptiles' digestive tract?

It’s rare to get sick from a chameleon vs a turtle like Jill said. Turtles poo in the water and the salmonella likely colonize on their shells.

 

[JacksJill]

The person that I know that had it got it from a horse with salmonella likely during a resuscitation attempt. The horse was in isolation but as it was coding protocols may have been skipped. She was in the hospital for 2 weeks and it was dicey there for a bit.