| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| paulie78 |
Posted - 19/12/2012 : 20:13:32
Hey guys
Having a bit of a debate on a fb group nobody seems yo know for sure ..is it safe for pregnant women to handle snakes and reptiles i would have thought providing they use a good antibacterial handwash after surely itd be ok ? |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| AcidicAngel |
Posted - 21/12/2012 : 17:53:19
I think it's down to personal choice and if you are willing to do it. When my mum was pregnant with all 4 of us(me, Connor(10), Tyler(7) and Viktoria(19 Months)) she cleaned cat litter trays, held snakes, even kissed a snake and it never harmed her. I know this is just 4 out of however many cases but I think it really is personal choice... When she was pregnant with Viktoria she held both my reptiles and all is good. Despite me asking if she wanted me to do the litter trays(I know the Toxoplasmosis risks) she refused the help and said "I did it myself with you, Connor and Tyler. I'll do it myself again" so yes. Personal choice in my opinion. I mean, If/When I get pregnant I'll still handle my reps. Maybe not as close to my face or kiss them but I'll still handle them. I'll just wash my hands after. |
| Isoldael |
Posted - 21/12/2012 : 10:13:38
Haha, no problem at all, I think we've all had days like that. I hope it helps :) |
| paulie78 |
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 23:04:35
quote:
Originally posted by Isoldael
That's exactly what it says "are associated with exposure to reptiles or amphibians" :p
Aghh ok forgive me i had a thick moment lmao its been a mega hectic day trying to get last minute xmas stuff done thanks for the link lol |
| Isoldael |
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 21:27:53
That's exactly what it says "are associated with exposure to reptiles or amphibians" :p |
| paulie78 |
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 20:51:53
quote:
Originally posted by Isoldael
Here's an article of the effects of salmonella on pregnant women: http://www.livestrong.com/article/69734-effects-salmonella-pregnancy/
I couldn't find anything about incidence in the UK, but here's something about the US: "The CDC estimates that 74,000 cases of Salmonellosis per year are associated with exposure to reptiles or amphibians (directly or indirectly), which makes this a significant public health concern."
I'll keep looking to see if I can find more :)
Im not saying that its not dangerous but i wonder how many of those cases are reptile related ? |
| Isoldael |
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 15:45:36
Here's an article of the effects of salmonella on pregnant women: http://www.livestrong.com/article/69734-effects-salmonella-pregnancy/
I couldn't find anything about incidence in the UK, but here's something about the US: "The CDC estimates that 74,000 cases of Salmonellosis per year are associated with exposure to reptiles or amphibians (directly or indirectly), which makes this a significant public health concern."
I'll keep looking to see if I can find more :) |
| paulie78 |
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 13:10:05
quote:
Originally posted by Isoldael
The thing with young children is that they likely won't wash their hands after handling (unless supervised) and are more likely to stick their hands in their mouth. On top of that, illnesses like salmonella are always more dangerous to the young, old, pregnant and those with impaired immune systems. I can see where they are coming from with the warnings. The fact that they don't warn for other animals such as dogs doesn't make the risk from handling reptiles any less real. They just have a very, very high prevalence of salmonella.
It's the same as with cats and toxoplasmosis - if proper hygiene is maintained, it can be done with minimal risk, but are you willing to risk it if you have someone else to temporarily look after your pet?
Its just frustrating there doesnt appear to be any places where you can get definitive info i am pretty sure ive never heard of anyone losing a baby this way (or baby coming to any harm) im sure theres plenty of single mums who happen to be reptile owners ? and i cant imagine anyone would let an under 5 year old handle a rep unsupervised anyway when my friends kids handle muy lot its under carefull supervision immediately after they use the handgel and then are frogmarched to the sink lol |
| Isoldael |
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 11:10:52
The thing with young children is that they likely won't wash their hands after handling (unless supervised) and are more likely to stick their hands in their mouth. On top of that, illnesses like salmonella are always more dangerous to the young, old, pregnant and those with impaired immune systems. I can see where they are coming from with the warnings. The fact that they don't warn for other animals such as dogs doesn't make the risk from handling reptiles any less real. They just have a very, very high prevalence of salmonella.
It's the same as with cats and toxoplasmosis - if proper hygiene is maintained, it can be done with minimal risk, but are you willing to risk it if you have someone else to temporarily look after your pet? |
| paulie78 |
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 09:51:49
This is exactly my argument i know animals such as pigeons carry plenty of zoonotic diseases however people still feed them in parks etc and suffer no ill effects i read one website that advised reptile owners to rehome their reptiles or at least not allow them to come into contact with your children till they are at least 5 years old how ridiculous!! |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 09:25:31
This debate is doing the rounds again is it?
The average reptile carries no more risk than the raw chicken used in cooking.
As with all animals, and before preparing food, wash hands thoroughly with a good antimicrobiol cleanser.
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| Razee |
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 08:50:07
It's true that pregnant women have lowered immunity, but it's also true that other animals can pass even more diseases on to them, than snakes. Dogs, cats, birds ( my former colleague caught toxoplasmosis from her parrot (!) and lost her baby ), cattle, sheep, horses.... you're advised not to clean cat trays, because of toxoplasmosis. But nobody tells you to get rid off or not touch dogs, or horses. or birds.
I think common sense is the best solution, if they wash their hands after handling any animal, everything should be ok. Shops have to cover themselves, in case people bring up a complaint against them - I saw a sign at a petting zoo, that pregnant women shouldn't touch goats and sheep ( can't think of the disease they were supposed to pass on). It's up to you - handle, and wash your hands - or don't handle at all.
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| Georgina |
Posted - 19/12/2012 : 22:01:39
Pregnant women are more susceptible to catching things, it's rumoured that reptiles are more Likley to carry salmonella than any other species. Which can be fatal to a pregnant woman. It's a precaution x |
| Lozzy |
Posted - 19/12/2012 : 21:45:43
I don't think their is a problem with it as long as you wash your hands but then when i worked at surrey pet supplies they had a reptile area with lots of different reps in it we advised pregnant women not to touch any of the reptiles but i don't know if that was a shop policy?? Would be interested to know the answer though!? |
| coxymk2 |
Posted - 19/12/2012 : 20:20:50
I wouldn't of thought it could be any more dangerous than any other animal as regards any disease they may carry and a good hygeine procedure is in place as it should already be |
