Bearded dragons are certainly known to carry salmonella. Interestingly, research has shown that captive reptiles are much more susceptible to carrying this bacteria than those found in the wild. Bearded dragons are certainly in the mix there and have become more prominent in health concerns for pet owners as their popularity rises.
In a 2007 study, reptiles were tested at four pet stores in Nebraska, United States, for Salmonella. They found that nearly 55% of the 80 pet reptiles tested carried Salmonella compared to 6.6% of those found in the wild.
There are no outward signs that the bacteria is present inside your beard, the only way you’ll know is if you’ve had it tested.
But this does not mean that you should abandon the idea of buying a bearded dragon or get rid of one that you own, you can also get Salmonella from food, but you cannot stop eating. It just requires sensible practices. Unless, of course, you have babies, young children, or others who are vulnerable to Salmonella, in which case you need to be very careful.
In some cases, the exotic pets (reptiles) that were associated with the infection of children did not even imply that the child himself touched or was near. There was a case in California in 2001 where the boy’s father cared for a snake at work that he put on his shoulders (he was a school biologist). The boy was taken to the hospital after becoming ill and was found to have Salmonella. Although the boy’s father knew that reptiles are likely carriers of Salmonella and took normal precautions, such as washing his hands, he did not change his clothes before returning home.
There was another case in Australia where an eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) was found to have infected a child. The boy was apparently never in direct contact with the pet bearded dragon, but he did become infected. And of course, it was the bearded dragon that was placed in a new home.
There are several ways to get Salmonella from your bearded dragon or any reptile. The obvious thing here is to touch it, but it could also pierce a wound or potentially even air. It is usually contracted through the fecal to oral route. It can be in your water, it can get on your clothes, it can definitely be in your pets’ enclosure, and it could even come from something that has been fed to you, like a mouse.
Salmonella lives for some time unless it is eradicated. You can live six (6) months in an uninhabited area. So how do you deal with it? Taking simple precautions and practicing good parenting. Fortunately, Salmonella is susceptible to disinfectants and humid heat.
Properly caring for your bearded dragon is the key. Maintaining a good cleaning routine, including for the cabinet and equipment, is absolutely crucial. This means both the daily cleaning of waste and food and the supply of fresh water. A weekly cleaning should include sanitizing everything. Include water dishes, enclosure, tank furnishings, and regular household chores. Always wear disposable gloves and keep all room cleaning equipment dedicated exclusively to that purpose.
Other good practices include:
- Wipe up any spilled liquid, such as water, immediately. Heat and humidity are a wonderful breeding ground for pathogens. If the water spills frequently, consider changing the type of dish being used.
- Wash your hands after touching your bearded dragon. If he’s been touching your clothes, consider changing. This is easier to do when there is a routine of driving, such as every afternoon before the daily shower is ideal when you normally change clothes.
- Don’t bathe your bearded dragon in your bathtub. It should have its own dedicated bathroom.
- Don’t let your bearded dragon roam your house, especially near the kitchen.
- Never wash the bowls in the sink or dishwasher.
- Do not drink, eat, smoke, or do any other activity around your bearded dragon that involves hand to mouth.
- Always make sure new reptiles are quarantined from others until approved.
If young children touch these adorable reptiles or anything they may have come in contact with, make sure they wash their hands well. Children tend to put their hands in their mouths, so make sure that doesn’t happen before washing. But remember that direct contact is not the only way to get Salmonella.
In short, understand the risks of contracting Salmonella, know how to prevent it from becoming a problem, maintain good handling practices, and enjoy your bearded dragon.