Q: Our son wants to adopt a turtle from his friend, who has become bored with his pet. Is there any reason not to agree?
A: Pet turtles commonly carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain in humans. Youngsters are most often affected. So, take into account your son’s age and level of responsibility as you make a decision.
In recent years, Salmonella bacteria from pet turtles have sickened hundreds of Americans, hospitalized dozens and killed at least one person. Turtles with shells less than four inches long most often cause human infection.
Salmonella are carried on the skin and shells of clean, healthy turtles and excreted in their droppings, contaminating habitats, water and food. Therefore, if your son adopts a turtle, he must refrain from kissing or snuggling it, and he must wash his hands immediately after touching the turtle or its habitat….