Effect of regulation and education on reptile-associated salmonellosis

Abstract

Reptiles have become increasingly common as domestic pets, and with them reptile-associated Salmonella infections in humans. From 1990 to 2000, a total of 339 reptile-associated Salmonella cases were reported in Sweden. In 1996, as part of its efforts to adapt its import regulations to those of the European Union, Sweden no longer required certificates stating that imported animals were free of Salmonella. A subsequent increase was noted in the incidence of reptile-associated cases from 0.15/100,000 in the period 1990-1994 to 0.79/100,000 in 1996 and 1997. After a public education campaign was begun through the news media, the incidence dropped to 0.46/100,000. Children were the most affected age group among patients (incidence 1.3/100,000). Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was the most frequent serotype (24% of isolates), followed by S. Typhimurium (9% of isolates). Import restrictions and public information campaigns are effective public health measures against reptile-associated salmonellosis.

Figure 1

Age and sex distribution in the turtle-associated salmonellosis cases. RAS, reptile-associated salmonellosis.

Figure 2

Age and sex distribution in the snake/lizard-associated salmonellosis cases. RAS, reptile-associated salmonellosis.

Figure 3

Reported cases of reptile-associated salmonellosis in Sweden, 1990–2000; total number of cases and proportion of domestic cases.