Turtle-Associated Salmonellosis, United States, 2006-2014.
During 2006-2014, a total of 15 multistate outbreaks of turtle-associated salmonellosis in humans were reported in the United States. Exposure to small pet turtles has long been recognized as a source of human salmonellosis. The risk to public health has persisted and may be increasing. Turtles are a popular reptilian pet among children, and numerous risky behaviors for the zoonotic transmission of Salmonella bacteria to children have been reported in recent outbreaks. Despite a long-standing federal ban against the sale and distribution of turtles <4 in (<10.16 cm) long, these small reptiles can be readily acquired through multiple venues and continue to be the main source of turtle-associated salmonellosis in children. Enhanced efforts are needed to minimize the disease risk associated with small turtle exposure. Prevention will require novel partnerships and a comprehensive One Health approach involving human, animal, and environmental health.
Stacey
S
Bosch
Robert V
RV
Tauxe
Casey Barton
CB
Behravesh
D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D057805:Pets; D011634:Public Health; D012480:Salmonella Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D012481:Salmonella Infections, Animal / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission; D014426:Turtles / Q000382:microbiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D015047:Zoonoses
Salmonella infections; Salmonella spp.; United States; bacteria; human salmonellosis; outbreaks; salmonellosis; turtles; zoonoses