Safety Report: Pet Bearded Dragons linked to 2 Salmonella Outbreaks (Vitkin & IIIb 61:z52:z53), USA

United States

The CDC announced that they are currently investigating 2 multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections with serotypes Vitkin and IIIb linked to pet bearded dragons. As of January 20, 2023, a total of 32 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Vitkin (12 people) and Salmonella IIIb 61:z52:z53 (20 people) have been reported from 20 states (CA, CO, IA, ID, KY, MA, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WY). 10 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 24, 2021, to November 2, 2022.

According to the outbreak notice, Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam. You can get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth and swallowing Salmonella germs.

CDC advises always take these steps to stay healthy around your pet bearded dragon:

- Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding your bearded dragon and after touching or cleaning the area where it lives and roams.
- Don’t kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don’t eat or drink around it. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.
- Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.
- Clean your bearded dragon supplies outside the house, if possible. These supplies may include its feeders, toys, and food and water containers. If you clean the supplies indoors, don’t clean them in the kitchen or other areas where you eat or prepare food. Use a laundry sink or bathtub, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the area right after.

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.cdc.gov/salmonella/beardeddragon-10-22/index.html