Tortoises and Diseases

Discussion in 'Turtles' started by morninwood, Aug 6, 2011.

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  1. morninwood

    morninwood Bristle Worm

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    I heard that some Tortoises do and do not carry dieseases such as salmonella. My girlfriend and I were worried if one day we decide to have children. We want to have a tortoise that is around or bigger then one foot.

    Bad idea if I plan to have children?
     
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  3. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    don't let the kids play with them when they are babies(The kids). also wash your hands after handling the reptiles.
     
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    +1

    ANY reptile has the potential to carry salmonella WITHOUT VISIBLE EFFECTS! They are immune, and therefore, can live a normal, healthy life while spreading the bacteria to everything they touch.
     
  5. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Not a bad idea, just wash hands as stated above. You are washing your hands for pathogens other than salmonella. I was raised around tortoise, frogs, snakes........ and I raised my son that way, it's all about common sense. So many other dangers associated with small children and toddlers, don't sweat the small stuff.
     
  6. morninwood

    morninwood Bristle Worm

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    Ah thanks guys.
    I think ill be fine then. I wash my hands like a mad man.
     
  7. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Hand washing, and don't let your kids lick the tortoise!! :p