HSE: Pet reptiles can cause spread of salmonella

PARENTS and children have been warned about the danger of contracting salmonella from reptiles.

The warning came after contact with snakes and similar pets was linked to 5% of all cases of the disease in the south-east.

Six out of 120 cases in the Health Service Executive’s south-eastern area between 2005 and 2007 may have involved contact with snakes, iguanas and terrapins.