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 #1655069


Leslie A
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 My New Iguana

I am really excited to have a new iguana in our family. But, i have some concerns. i didn’t realize the risk of salmonella was so great. i have a 17 month old baby. should i keep our iguana (victor)? he was a birthday present for my 8 year old son. i guess my question is how great is the risk of spreading salmonella? victor likes to hang out on my shoulder around the house and we love him. obviously, i am concerned about the baby. your opinion is greatly appreciated.
03/10/08  04:23am

 #1655085


Shiftylarry
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   Message To: Leslie A   In reference to Message Id: 1655069


 My New Iguana

I mean, you shouldn’t let any animal near your baby, except maybe the family dog. The risk of salmonella is there, but it’s not that great. It’s more common with animals that go in and out of the water like turtles. Personally I’ve never heard of an iguana giving someone salmonella. I’d be interested to hear if anyone else had. Obviously you wouldn’t want your kid to lick the iguana, but I don’t think it would be something I’d worry about.
03/10/08  06:13am

 #1655191


Angelkitty
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   Message To: Shiftylarry   In reference to Message Id: 1655085


 My New Iguana

Iguanas do carry salmonella and there have been cases of children and babies getting sick or dying from salmonella. Check out these sites - no spaces:
www. fda.gov/fdac/features/1997/797_rept. html
www. camr.org.uk/cdr/archives/2000/cdr1800. pdf
www. addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/1996/spring/salmonella. shtml
www. tortoise.com/facts_and_information/salmonella. html
www. cdc.gov/salmonella/schwarzengrund_faq. html
There is cases where a baby has died from salmonella from an iguana BUT I think a lot of the salmonella poisonings from animals came from the owning not knowing the animal has salmonella or the owning not taking the proper precautions to protect themselves and their families from it. If you do keep the iguana do not have it anywhere near the baby or anything that the baby touches. I believe one infant death (not sure if this is correct but this is what I heard on the news about 10 years ago when I owned a bunch of iguanas) was caused by a free roaming iguana that licked a bottle that was then used for the baby. Like I said this is something that I remember from years ago so I do not know if that is 100% accurate. After you handle the iguana make sure you wash your hands with hot water and an anti bacterial soap and either sing happy birthday or recite the alphabet while washing your hands to ensure you have washed them for enough time. I am not telling you to get rid of or keep the iguana, that is your choice. Hopefully these websites help out.
Angel



03/10/08  09:54am

 #1656592


Leslie A
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   Message To: Shiftylarry   In reference to Message Id: 1655085


 My New Iguana

Thanks for your input. I have been very careful not to let the baby touch or handle anything that comes in contact with Victor. I think it will be fine.



03/11/08  02:35am

 #1656595


Pocochu
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   Message To: Leslie A   In reference to Message Id: 1656592


 My New Iguana

The best thing to do is wash, wash, wash, your hands and keep things clean, especially when it comes to their poo.......Everyone has a certain strain of salmonella in their system...but the most important thing is to keep things clean......and washed, especially the hands, they are the biggest carrier of things...
03/11/08  02:49am

 #1657581


K_intagliata
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   Message To: Pocochu   In reference to Message Id: 1656595


 My New Iguana


Not just your baby, but your 6 year old should not be handling the iguana.

K
03/11/08  09:18pm

 #1657948


Kanamit
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   Message To: K_intagliata   In reference to Message Id: 1657581


 My New Iguana

I have never heard of an Iguana transmitting salmonella. My Iguana gave me MONO once but thats a story for another time ;)
03/12/08  06:22am

 #1658428


Uglybetty
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   Message To: Kanamit   In reference to Message Id: 1657948


 My New Iguana

i kiss and love on my iggy and i have never gotten anything. im sure that i dont prolly get to the sink to wash everytime too....


this is me and joey new years eve patrying hard!!! hahaha i just noticed tat scratch on my hand.. ya see it... it is eternally there. i have one on the other too.. gotta love her though...
03/12/08  04:57pm

 #1724623


Tenten~
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   Message To: Uglybetty   In reference to Message Id: 1658428


 My New Iguana

Yeah I think I got Salmonella once and I’m not even sure it was Salmonella. But it was before I even had any reptiles. I haven’t gotten Salmonella once since I got my iguanas or my python. Though yes, like everyone said, make sure to wash your hands after holding it and clean out its cage regularly. Good luck with the new iguana and I hope you enjoy him. ^.^



05/04/08  05:29am


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