Tiny Turtles Tied To IL Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

ILLINOIS — Residents in Illinois thinking about buying tiny turtles might want to hold off for now following an announcement by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention of a Salmonella spread.

Two Illinoisans have been sickened in a nationwide Salmonella outbreak linked to small pet turtles, the CDC recently warned.

At least 26 people from 11 states have been infected by Salmonella strains, officials said. Tests in Tennessee during July found two turtles that victims had purchased from a pet store were positive for the bacteria.

States where turtles infected by Salmonella strains include:

• Tennessee — 6
• Pennsylvania — 4
• New York — 3
• Illinois — 2
• Georgia — 2
• North Carolina — 2
• Virginia — 2
• Ohio — 2
• California — 1
• Kentucky — 1
• Missouri — 1

"Do not buy small turtles with shells less than 4 inches long," the CDC warned.

Would-be and current turtle owners shouldn't be shell-shocked: turtles, especially those of small size, are often linked to Salmonella outbreaks.

All pet turtles, whether diminutive or (figuratively) more Gamera-sized, can carry Salmonella in their droppings, even if they look healthy and clean, according to the CDC.
Federal law bans the sale of turtles with shell less than 4 inches long as pets because of this health risk to youngsters, officials said.

"Despite the ban, these turtles can sometimes be found illegally online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands," a CDC notice states.

The most recent outbreak involves illnesses ranging from Oct. 27 to July 16, with many more infections.

Thirteen infected people were interviewed by CDC experts, who found six bought their turtles from online retailers and five purchased them from stores, officials said.

One person bought their turtle from a reptile show, the CDC reported.

"Investigators are working to determine if there is a common source of turtles," a CDC notice states.

Read the CDC investigation details here.