Small Turtles Dangerous, Even Deadly

(October 23, 2009) - They once were often a starter pet for young children, but they are now illegal to be sold. Small turtles can be dangerous because they often carry salmonella bacteria. (Read about "Salmonella")

A new study links a recent 34-state, 107-person outbreak of salmonellosis - an infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella - with exposure to small turtles.

In the study, "Continuing Risk of Salmonellosis From Small Turtles: Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Associated With Small Turtle Exposure, 2007-2008," researchers interviewed 78 patients or parents of patients (median patient age, 7) diagnosed with Salmonella during the outbreak. Thirty-three percent of the patients were hospitalized from the potentially fatal illness, and 60 percent reported exposure to a turtle during the week before their illness.

Most of the reported turtle exposures were to small turtles less than 4 inches in length. Since 1975, the U.S. has banned the sale of small turtles because of Salmonella risks.

The study authors say that despite a federal ban, small turtles continue to be sold in the U.S. and pose a health risk, especially to young children.