Undoubtedly, bearded dragons have become the world’s most popular breed of reptiles kept as pets. Their calm and gentle aura and the rarity of bites make them easy to domesticate and an excellent addition to any home.
However, like their distant cousins, turtles, and a host of other reptiles, it’s believed that these creatures carry Salmonella. This dangerous bacteria can severely affect those with inferior or compromised immune systems, such as kids and the elderly.
This write-up will tell you whether it’s true that bearded dragons carry Salmonella and cover everything about the bacteria from its symptoms, how to treat it, and how to protect yourself when handling your bearded dragon.
Bearded Dragons and Salmonella
Although turtles have been incriminated for causing Salmonella bacteria infections in children and senior citizens, it has also emerged that bearded dragons are also another source of Salmonella.
Essentially, bearded dragons carry the bacteria inside their stomach. When these creatures poop, they release the Salmonella bacteria into the world along with the fecal matter. They contaminate surfaces and their skins with these germs.
Once you touch the bearded dragon, the contaminated surfaces, or its poop, you can ingest these bacteria and suffer a gastrointestinal infection.
Although anyone can be affected by Salmonella bacteria, the risk of infection is higher in young children and the elderly due to their underdeveloped or sub-optimally functioning immune systems.
What Research and Science Say about Bearded Dragons and Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of zoonotic disease that is spread from animals to humans. When the Salmonella infections outbreak was first identified on December 24, 2020, the CDC sought to establish the cause of the infection. In the following 12 months, more cases were reported.
The Center for Disease Control investigation discovered more than 44 cases of Salmonella Muenster infections across 25 states.
As of November 20, 2020, 18 people suffering from Salmonella cause illness were hospitalized. 11 of the patients were hospitalized, 6 of them being children under 5 years.
Evidence collected from the lab showed that the outbreak’s source was contact with bearded dragons. 16 of the people who had the Salmonella infection reported that they were in contact with a bearded dragon before they got sick.
When samples were collected from homes where people became sick, the strain making people sick was identified in samples from a bearded dragon and its enclosure in Virginia.
Although the investigation is still active, it has now been confirmed that bearded dragons may look healthy and clean, but they are a source of the Salmonella bacteria.
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Salmonella Infection in Humans?
The severity of the Salmonella bacteria infection may differ from one person to the other. However, common signs and symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
In some people, especially children younger than 5 and seniors above 65 years, the symptoms may be severe and require the patient to be hospitalized.
You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience these severe symptoms:
- Diarrhea that lasts more than three days
- Fever going higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea with bloodstains
- Continuous vomiting to the extent that you cannot keep anything in your stomach
- Severe dehydration. It can cause dizziness when standing, dry throat and mouth, or reduced urination.
What is the Right Treatment for Salmonella Infection?
In most cases, people recover from Salmonella infection without going for treatment in 4 to 7 days.
However, people suffering from the illness should drink lots of fluids to replace the water lost through diarrhea and vomiting.
Salmonella bacteria infection is generally treated with antibiotics. But, only those with severe illness, children, and older adults require this treatment.
Can Bearded Dragon Get Sick from Salmonella?
No, bearded dragon can’t get sick from Salmonella. Since these bacteria stay at reduced levels in their gut, it doesn’t affect them.
Like many other animals, bearded dragons carry the Salmonella bacteria in their gastronomical tract at a low level without showing any clinical signs. They shed the bacteria through defecates, serving as a source of infection.
Bearded dragons may suffer from other types of infection, but the Salmonella bacteria cause none of these illnesses.
Therefore, the risk of getting ill from the Salmonella bacteria is to the bearded dragon owner, family members, or other pets, but not the lizard itself.
What You Should Do To Avoid Contracting Salmonella from Your Bearded Dragon?
1. Wash Your Hands
Ensure that you clean your hands thoroughly with flowing water and soap once you touch, feed, or clean the surfaces and the beardies enclosure.
Salmonella germs can be found on all the surfaces that the beardie has touched, its skin, and on the fecal matter.
2. Take Safety Precautions When Playing With Your Bearded Dragon
Regardless of your relationship with your bearded dragons, some things will increase the chances of contracting Salmonella.
For starters, don’t kiss your lizard on any part of the body, and don’t drink or eat around it. Additionally, never let the beardie near your kitchen or any other place where food is stored or prepared. These creatures can contaminate anything they touch with germs.
3. Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene
Ensure that your bearded dragon and its enclosure stay clean. Regularly clean the lizard’s cage and its supplies and accessories, including toys, feeders, and water containers.
Conversely, regularly give your birdie a warm birth and dispose of excretes immediately after the animal poops.
However, make sure that you do the cleaning in an outdoor area that isn’t accessible to other pets or children. Don’t clean the bearded dragon supplies in the kitchen or a common sink where food is handled.
More importantly, you should select the right pet based on your family’s needs. If you have kids below 5 years or live with adults aged above 65 years old, a bearded dragon isn’t the most suitable pet for your household.
Conclusion
Now that you understand that your bearded dragon carries Salmonella bacteria, we hope you’ll take proper measures to protect yourself and your family. Keep the bearded dragon cage clean and don’t kiss or snuggle them.
However, if you contract the Salmonella infection, you shouldn’t panic as you can recover without visiting a health practitioner.
If you experience severe symptoms, visit the nearest medical center, and you’ll be put on antibiotics until you recover fully.
We hope this piece has provided everything you wanted to know about bearded dragons and Salmonella.