title: Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Poona Infections Associated with Pet Turtle Exposure--United States, 2014.
abstract: In May 2014, a cluster of human Salmonella Poona infections was identified through PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance. Historically, this rare serotype has been identified in multiple Salmonella outbreaks associated with pet turtle exposure and has posed a particular risk to small children. Although the sale and distribution of small turtles (those with carapace [upper shell] lengths <4 inches [<10.2 cm]) is prohibited by federal law, they are still available for legal purchase online for "bona-fide" scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes, other than use as pets. In addition, small turtles are still available for illegal purchase through transient street vendors, at flea markets, and at fairs.
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Basler
authors.forename: Lyndsay
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bottichio
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Higa
authors.forename: Belinda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Prado
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Stacey
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bosch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057805:Pets / Q000382:microbiology*; D012475:Salmonella / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012480:Salmonella Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D014426:Turtles / Q000382:microbiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult