Health & Fitness
Warning - Tiny Turtles Carry Deadly Salmonella
Turtles under four inches are illegal and can carry salmonella that can make you every sick.
Remember those tiny turtles (common name red eared slider) that used to be everywhere when we were growing up? Mine was named Cinderella, and she lived a very short, small life. Poor thing.
That was many years ago, but the trade in small turtles has not stopped even with the Federal law making the selling of these cute little creatures (under four inches) illegal in 1975. That is because small children can put them (and their own tiny hands) in their mouths thus risking a very severe and possibly fatal salmonella infection. This week the Centers for Disease Control announced a six multistate outbreak of human salmonella infections linked to small turtles. You can read more here.
That hasn't stopped the cruel pet trade. In fact, you can buy these illegal turtles in Chinatown and Santee Alley even today. My husband and I have done undercover footage, and it’s sad to see these wee turtles in a little water in a plastic bag – I am sure 98 percent of them will die. The sellers don’t care –they made their $10 per turtle. Sometimes they come in a clear carrier with a fake palm tree.
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Believe it or not, they live to 25 years or more with proper care and a backyard pond to live in. They are not indigenous however, so please do not throw them in our waterways or ocean.
You can see them being given away as prizes at carnivals and even birthday parties! When I first moved to Malibu, our Chili Cookoff was giving these away as prizes for carnival type games, until I threw a fit and basically got kicked out of the event myself. I can still remember some hostile faces, but Fish & Wildlife backed me up. It was bad for the children in our community and for the poor turtles, as well.
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Washing your hands well in warm, soapy water is the best prevention. I have handled these turtles for 22 years and by washing my hands religiously, I have never had the disease.
Please let your neighbors and friends know that these creatures are not only illegal, but dangerous to your health. Find out more here www.tortoise.com.
