Multistate outbreak of turtle-associated salmonellosis highlights ongoing challenges with the illegal sale and distribution of small turtles

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Thompson Infections Linked to Seafood Exposure — United States, 2021

Ann Q. Shen et al.

MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT (2023)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Online sale of small turtles circumvents public health regulations in the United States

Lauren E. Montague et al.

Summary: In the U.S., pet turtles have been linked to outbreaks of salmonellosis, particularly affecting children. Despite a federal regulation prohibiting the sale of turtles <4 inches in size, our study found that numerous websites openly advertise and sell small turtles. These websites often do not provide information about salmonella and regulations, and enforcement of the regulation faces jurisdictional challenges in most states. Therefore, we recommend continued public education campaigns by public health agencies in the U.S. to reduce the risk associated with pet turtle ownership.

PLOS ONE (2022)

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Review Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

A Review of Zoonotic Disease Threats to Pet Owners: A Compendium of Measures to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases Associated with Non-Traditional Pets: Rodents and Other Small Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Backyard Poultry, and Other Selected Animals

Kate Varela et al.

VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES (2022)

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Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Multistate reptile- and amphibian-associated salmonellosis outbreaks in humans, United States, 2009-2018

Michelle A. Waltenburg et al.

Summary: Non-typhoidal Salmonella infections, particularly those linked to reptiles and amphibians, have caused a significant number of illnesses and hospitalizations in the United States. Young children are particularly vulnerable to these outbreaks. This study analyzes multistate outbreaks to understand the nature of the illnesses and inform prevention strategies.

ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH (2022)

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Article Immunology

Attribution of Illnesses Transmitted by Food and Water to Comprehensive Transmission Pathways Using Structured Expert Judgment, United States

Elizabeth Beshearse et al.

Summary: Despite advancements in food safety, water treatment, and sanitation, food and waterborne illnesses continue to be a major disease burden in the United States. Experts utilized Cooke's classical model to estimate the proportion of disease attributable to various transmission pathways, emphasizing the importance of multiple pathways in the transmission of pathogens.

EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

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Review Veterinary Sciences