Cinnaminson, NJ, June 11th, 2020
During four of the last six years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced an outbreak of zoonotic disease spread between pet turtles and people. Each outbreak has been caused by Salmonella, with this year’s CDC investigative notice involving 35 cases in at least nine states.
According to the agency, the most recent outbreak sent 11 people to the hospital and children younger than 12 accounted for two-thirds of the illnesses of all the reported cases. Children younger than 5 years of age, adults aged 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness. Most people infected with Salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed. While most people recover without treatment, in some people, the illness may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. This can occur if the infection spreads from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body.
“All turtles, regardless of size, can carry Salmonella even if they look healthy and clean,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Back in 1975, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets due to these concerns. It’s important for people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling these animals or anything in the areas where they live or roam.”
EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides comprehensive environmental testing services and analysis for microbial pathogens. EMSL also has supplies needed to collect and submit samples. Environmental testing can not only help to prevent infections, it can also be instrumental in locating the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.
As an educational tool, EMSL has sponsored a video about Salmonella exposure risks from pet reptiles and amphibians that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/IRJVx2_qGQM.
To learn more about Salmonella or other microbial and environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria,
Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at
www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.