The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning about an outbreak of salmonella poisoning connected to a species of lizard often used as a pet.
The states impacted by the outbreak include California, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Iowa, Georgia, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. “Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean,” the CDC said. “These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam.
” It warned that people can get sick from salmonella, a type of bacteria, by “touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing salmonella germs.” People handing bearded dragons or touching their habitats should wash their hands with soap and water afterward, the agency said. People should also be advised not to kiss or cuddle with the lizard.
The agency added that people should avoid eating and drinking near the reptiles, and keep them away from areas where young children play or eat. It also recommends that people have a dedicated enclosure for the pet lizards and to clean the pet supplies outside the house. “If you must clean the supplies indoors, don’t clean them in the kitchen or other areas where you eat or prepare food.
Use a laundry sink or bathtub, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the area right after,” the CDC said. They are commonly sold at pet stores across the United States,.
