Salmonellosis Associated With Pet Turtles—Wisconsin and Wyoming, 2004

Abstract

Salmonellosis associated with small pet turtles in the United States was a major public health concern in the 1970s. In 1975, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned commercial distribution of small turtles (i.e., those with a carapace of <4 inches). The FDA ban prevents an estimated 100,000 cases of salmonellosis among children each year. However, a recent resurgence in the sale of small turtles has generated concern. In Wisconsin and Wyoming, at least six human cases of salmonellosis have been linked to such turtles. This report describes the investigation into those cases. The findings underscore the need for health and environmental officials to prevent illegal distribution of small turtles and consider patient contact with turtles when investigating salmonellosis cases.