Pet Turtles and Salmonella

Pet Turtles May be Harmful to Your Children's Health

Small turtles are a source of a disease called salmonellosis in humans. Salmonellosis is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Salmonella. Symptoms of the disease may include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. Symptoms begin in 6 to 72 hours (usually 12 to 36 hours) after a person is exposed to Salmonella, and they generally last for 2 to 7 days.

For more information, read Alert to Parents: Pet Turtles May be Harmful to Your Children's Health (US Food and Drug Administration) (PDF, 1p.)

Other links

Center for Veterinary Medicine and Consumers (US Food and Drug Administration)