title: Prevalence ofSalmonellaspp. in pet turtles and their environment.
abstract: Pet turtles are known as a source ofSalmonellainfection to humans when handled in captivity. Thirty four turtles purchased from pet shops and online markets in Korea were examined to determine whether the turtles and their environment were contaminated withSalmonellaspp.Salmonellaspp. were isolated from fecal samples of 17 turtles. These isolates were identified asS. entericathrough 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolation rate ofSalmonellaspp. from the soil and water samples increased over time. We concluded that a high percentage of turtles being sold in pet shops were infected withSalmonellaspp., and their environments tend to become contaminated over time unless they are maintained properly. These results indicate that pet turtles could be a potential risk of salmonellosis in Korea.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
authors.forename: Du-San
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Back
authors.affiliation: Bio-Safety Research Institute and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Gee-Wook
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
authors.forename: Mitchell
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wendt
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
authors.forename: Gang-Joon
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Heo
keywords: Prevalence; Salmonella spp.; environment; pet turtles; salmonellosis