Could someone spell out the  hazzards on Salmonella? What is the method of
transmission? Is it airborne? Do the warnings also apply to amphibians (toads
and newts)? Should pregnant or nursing mothers not handle these animals? What
if the terrarium is covered? Can the animals be isolated from the family so a
teenager who has these pets does not put the rest of the family (children
under 5)  at risk? If this is such a big risk, how come Repitle Partys (i.e.
owners of reptile stores who come to children's birthday partys to allow
children positive exposure to repitles) never mentioned this? I accompanied
my 7 year old to two in the last three weeks, and although both owners were
clear that the kids should wash their hands after handling the animals, they
did not discriminate between under and over five year olds, or any risk to
pregnant or nursing moms.

Thanks in advance.

Debbie Rabin, OTR, CLC
Los Angeles, CA