(09-15-2012, 05:09 AM)minnow Wrote: Is it true that iguanas carry the salmonella bacteria on their bodies? My sister-in-law just got 2 iguanas and I'm a little nervous about my niece and nephew being near them.
I probably wouldn't be worrying about it but my sister-in-law does all the cooking and taking care of the iguanas. I love her but she doesn't seem to be too concerned about washing her hands after handling the lizards.
from what ive heard, any kind of reptile can carry the salmonella virus...but it is contained in their feces. you should always wash your hands before and after you handle one and never touch your face before you wash your hands after you are done handling. also, animals that are not known to be in their feces alot, have a much smaller chance of giving you the virus. chameleons for example are arboreal and rarely make contact with their feces. some turtles on the other hand may accidentally walk through it..but as long as you wash your hands and dont touch your face, your fine 
| 
