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Animal Protection Institute: Print Version: http://www.api4animals.org/doc.asp?ID=777&print=y
"The Dangers of Possessing Exotic Animals"
From Animal Issues, Volume 31, Number 2, Summer 2000
The Dangers of Possessing Exotic Animals
By Nicole G. Paquette
In June 1999, a 10-year-old girl dies after being brutally attacked by one of her stepfather's "pet" tigers.
The young girl is in the tiger's cage helping her stepfather groom the animal when the tiger
attacks.1
In December 1998, a healthy 5 month-old girl suddenly dies at home after contracting salmonella from
the family's pet iguana. The girl has no direct contact with the iguana yet contracts
salmonella.2
In February 2000, a woman is viciously attacked by her "pet" macaque monkey. The monkey leaps from
his open cage onto the woman's head, and makes gashes 6 inches deep and other cuts to her head,
arms, and legs. The woman spends over a week in the hospital and must undergo more than 12 weeks of
physical therapy. The monkey has bitten the woman on two other occasions and previously attacked the
family dog.3
Any of these incidents could have been avoided -- the health and safety of the individuals involved protected
-- if the person or family did not possess the captive-bred exotic animal. Yet the frequency of these events
occurs more often than one can imagine. Nor is it just the possessor and his/her family at risk. Neighbors, the
community at large, friends, and the animals themselves ... are all at risk when an exotic animal is privately
held.
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The same can be said for
domestic pets:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&Dopt=r&uid=7064943
Dog bites. A neglected problem in accident prevention.
Lauer EA, White WC, Lauer BA.
Dog bites are a common but neglected pediatric problem. To clarify the epidemiology of dog bites and to learn if parents would welcome counseling aimed at preventing bites, 455 families (960 children) in a Denver pediatric practice were surveyed. One hundred ninety-four children (20.2%) had been bitten at least once, with the majority of bites occurring before the child was aged 5 years. Forty-three percent of the bites prompted a visit to a physician and 16.5% received sutures. German shepherds were responsible for 17% of the incidents, more than expected relative to their popularity as pets. The dogs usually were owned by a neighbor (40.2%) or the victim's family (31%). Approximately half of the bites were believed to be unprovoked. Seventy-seven percent of the parents believed that dog bite prevention warranted discussion with their physician. Dog bites are an important pediatric problem, and parents should be counseled accordingly during well-child visits.
Any of these incidents could have been avoided -- the health and safety of the individuals involved protected
-- if the person or family did not possess the domestic pet
animal. Yet the frequency of these events
occurs more often than one can imagine. Nor is it just the possessor and his/her family at risk. Neighbors, the
community at large, friends, and the animals themselves ... are all at risk when
a domestic pet animal is privately
held.
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Wild and Inherently Dangerous
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA),4 the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA),5 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)6 have all opposed private possession of certain
exotic animals. But across the nation, lions, tigers, wolves, bears, reptiles, and non-human primates are
possessed by private individuals as "pets." By their very nature, these animals are wild and inherently
dangerous. They do not adjust well to a captive environment.
Because the majority of states do not keep accurate records of exotic animals entering their state or have no
mechanism to determine the number, it is impossible to determine how many exotic animals are privately held.
However, it is estimated that there are 6,000 to 7,000 tigers held by private individuals.
The sale and possession of exotic animals is regulated by a patchwork of state, local, and federal laws that
generally vary by community and by animal.
The state governments have the authority to regulate private possession of exotic animals. Laws vary from
state to state on the type of regulation imposed and the specific animals regulated. Eight states (CA, CO, HI,
MA, NH, NM, TN, WY) ban private possession of exotic animals (i.e. they prohibit
possession of at least large cats, wolves, bears, non-human primates, and dangerous reptiles); 6 states (CT, FL, IL, MD, NE, UT) have a
partial ban (i.e. they prohibit possession of some exotic animals but not all); 17 states (AZ, DE, GA, IN, ME,
MS, MO, NJ, NY, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, VA, WV) require a license or permit to possess exotic animals; and
while the remaining states neither prohibit nor require a license, they may require some information from the
possessor (veterinarian certificate, certification that animal was legally acquired, etc.).
Many cities and counties have adopted ordinances more restrictive than the state law. Typically, the City or
County Council acts as a result of a recent attack in the area, an escape, or by the virtue of the animal's
physical attributes and natural behavior.
Some people often sidestep existing laws or bans by becoming licensed breeders or exhibitors under the USDA
and/or by having their property rezoned. In addition, individuals often move out of city limits or to a new state
once a restriction or ban is imposed.
There are no federal laws regulating private possession of exotic animals. However, the Endangered Species
Act, the Public Health Services Act, and the Lacey Act regulate the importation of exotic animals into the
United States and across state lines.
Boo-Boo and Ferguson
When in the hands of private individuals, the animals themselves suffer. These animals do not adjust well to a
captive environment, for they require special care, housing, diet and maintenance that the average person
cannot provide. Individuals possessing exotic animals often attempt to change the nature of the animal rather
than the nature of the care provided. Such tactics include confinement in small barren enclosures, chaining,
beating "into submission," and even painful mutilations, such as declawing and tooth removal.
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The same can be said for
domestic pets:
Individuals possessing domestic
pet animals often attempt to change the nature of the animal rather
than the nature of the care provided. Such tactics include confinement in small barren enclosures, chaining,
beating "into submission," and even painful mutilations, such as declawing and tooth removal.
The same mutilations are done to domestic cats. How many cats are declawed
just to prevent them from damaging furniture, much less scratching a
person! Dogs are found confined in small barren enclosures, chaining
and beaten "into submission."
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When possessors realize they can no longer care for an exotic "pet," they often turn to zoos and other
institutions such as sanctuaries to take over the responsibility. However, all the zoos and accredited
institutions could not possibly accommodate the number of unwanted exotic "pets." As a result, the majority of
these animals are either euthanized, abandoned, or doomed to live in deplorable conditions.
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The same can be said for
domestic pets:
Humane societies are overflowing
with unwanted domestic pet animals. These shelters can't accommodate the
large numbers of unwanted domestic "pets."
http://www.hsus.org/programs/companion/overpopulation/op_faq.html
-
Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year:
8-10 million (HSUS estimate)
-
Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:
4-5 million (HSUS estimate)
-
Number of cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year:
3-5 million (HSUS estimate)
-
Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters
each year: Between 600 and 750 thousand—15% of animals entering shelters
(HSUS estimate)
-
Number of animal shelters in the United States:
Between 4 and 6 thousand (HSUS estimate)
-
Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:
25 percent (HSUS estimate)
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Many tragic stories relate how exotic "pets" live out their lives. For instance, Boo-Boo, a black bear from a
breeding facility in Ohio, was sold for $60 to a man who bought the bear for his 4-year-old daughter. The
family had no prior experience with an exotic animal and did not know how to deal with the bear's natural
instincts. In response to Boo-Boo's behavior, the family put a collar on the bear and chained him to a tree.
Boo-Boo became very aggressive and the family stopped all contact with the bear except at feeding time.
Fortunately, Boo-Boo was rescued. His collar had to be surgically removed because it was embedded into his
neck and he is now living out his remaining years in peace.7
Ferguson, a sick macaque monkey, was abandoned in a driveway near the Performing Animal Welfare Society
(PAWS) Sanctuary in Galt, CA. Ferguson was chained inside a filthy cat carrier and exhibits odd behavioral
problems that suggests he was abused.8
Mauled, Bitten, Asphyxiated
Many incidents across the country have been reported where exotic animals privately held have attacked
humans and other animals, and escaped from their enclosures and freely roamed the community. Adults and
children have been mauled by tigers, bitten by monkeys, and asphyxiated by snakes.
Monkeys are the most common non-human primates privately held. After the age of two, monkeys tend to
exhibit unpredictable behavior. Males become aggressive, and both males and females bite to defend
themselves and to establish dominance.9 Many reports of monkey bites indicate serious injury to the individual
involved, whether the possessor, a neighbor, or a stranger on the street.
According to the CDC, 52 people reported being bitten by macaque monkeys between 1990 to
1997.10 Although this number may seem low, the CDC reports that "owners of pet macaques are often reluctant to
report bite injuries from their pets, even to their medical care providers" for fear that their animal will be
confiscated and possibly killed.
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The same can be said for
domestic pets:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&Dopt=r&uid=3923540
Unreported dog bites in children.
Beck AM, Jones BA.
In 1981, more than 3,200 Pennsylvania children, ages 4 to 18 years, were surveyed about their dog bite histories and attitudes toward animals. Dog bites were much more common than previously reported: 45 percent of children had been bitten during their lifetimes, and 15.5 percent had been bitten in 1980, more than 36 times the rate reported to health authorities. In 1980, the highest bite rate occurred among children 7-12 years old (20 percent).
Children were bitten more frequently by the dogs owned by their neighbors, followed by their own dogs, than by strays or by dogs whose owners were not known. Boys were bitten twice as frequently as girls by neighbors' dogs and strays; the bite rates from family dogs were identical in boys and girls. Despite the high bite rates, being bitten was not significantly associated, in most groups of children studied, with a dislike of dogs. These positive attitudes toward dogs may lead to inadequate precautions against bites and to biases in the reporting of bites to health authorities.
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Non-domesticated felines, such as lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars, are commonly held as "pets."
These exotic animals are cute and cuddly when they are young but as they mature have the potential to seriously
injure or kill people and other animals. Adult exotic felines weigh anywhere from 300 to 500 pounds depending
on the species, and are incapable of being "domesticated." Even an animal that appears to be friendly and
loving can attack unsuspecting individuals. For example, on March 15, 2000, a 3-year-old boy's right arm was
severed just above the elbow by his uncle's "pet" tiger. The boy stuck his arm through one of the gaps in the
tiger's chain-link cage. Neighbors reported that this tiger is a "really nice and passive
animal."11
Reptiles, including all types of snakes and lizards, also pose safety risks to humans, with many reported
incidents of escapes, strangulations, and bites from pet reptiles. Snakes are the most common "pet" reptiles
and have the potential to inflict serious injury through a bite or constriction. According to the University of
Florida, over 7,000 venomous snake bites are reported annually in the United States, 15 of which result in
death (it is uncertain how many of these snakes are pets).12 Several reported incidents involve strangulation
by snakes. For example, on August 29, 1999, in Centralia, IL, a 3-year-old-boy was strangled to death by the
family's pet African rock python after the snake escaped from its unlocked cage. The "pet" snake coiled around
the boy, gripping his head with its fangs and asphyxiating him. The parents of the boy have been charged with
child endangerment and unlawful possession of a dangerous animal.13
With so many exotic animals in private hands, these incidents are not rare. By their very nature, exotic animals
are dangerous creatures. Given the life these animals are forced to endure, it is no surprise that they exhibit
their natural instincts to the detriment of the community. These animals are time bombs
waiting to explode.
Exotic Animals, Exotic Diseases
Many exotic animals are carriers of zoonotic diseases, such as Herpes B, Monkey Pox, and
Salmonellosis, all of which are communicable to humans.
Eighty to 90% of all macaque monkeys are infected with Herpes B-virus or Simian B, a virus that is harmless to
monkeys but fatal to 70% of humans who contract it. Monkeys shed the virus intermittently in saliva or genital
secretions, which generally occurs when the monkey is ill, under stress, or during breeding
season.14 At any given time, about 2% of infected macaque monkeys are shedding the virus. A person who is bitten, scratched,
sneezed on or spit on while shedding occurs runs the risk of contracting the disease. Monkeys rarely show any
signs or symptoms of shedding, making it nearly impossible to know when one is at risk.
Humans infected with the Herpes B virus typically exhibit symptoms of fatigue, flu-like manifestations which
progress to headaches, vomiting, double vision, sensory loss, convulsions, and difficulty breathing. Death can
come as early as four weeks after exposure, and those who survive experience pain, paralysis, and neurological
damage.
Since 1992, 19 people died in 24 well-documented cases of human infection of the virus. According to the
CDC, the reason for "such an apparently low rate of transmission may include infrequent B virus shedding by
macaques, cross-reactive immunity against B virus stimulated by herpes simplex virus infection, and
undetected asymptomatic infection."15 The frequency of Herpes B infection in humans has never been
adequately studied and so it is difficult to quantify the amount of people actually infected with the virus. The
CDC asserts that the increase in macaque monkeys in the pet trade may constitute an emerging infectious
disease threat in the United States.16 Thus, persons who possess or work with infected monkeys are presumed
to be in constant peril of potentially contracting the virus.
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The same can be said for
domestic pets:
See Zoonotic Diseases
section.
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Bites from non-human primates can cause severe lacerations and infected wounds, which can potentially infect
the bone and result in permanent deformity. The frequency of bites remains a mystery. Although it is well
acknowledged that non-human primate bites are some of the worst animal bites, little research exists. In
addition, monkeys have been known to transmit the Ebola virus, Monkey Pox, and other
deadly illnesses.
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The same can be said for
domestic pets:
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic60.htm
Bites, Animals -
"Background: Since many animal bites are never reported, it is
difficult to determine the exact incidence of animal bite wounds in the
US, let alone the world. An estimated 57 million cats and 54 million dogs
lived in the US in 1991, but substantially more dog bites than cat bites
occurred. These two types of bite wounds account for most animal bite
wounds encountered in the ED.
Pathophysiology: Dog bites typically cause a crushing-type wound
because of their rounded teeth and strong jaws. An adult dog can exert 200
pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure, with some large dogs able to
exert 450 psi. Such extreme pressure may damage deeper structures such as
bones, vessels, tendons, muscle, and nerves.
Cats' very sharp, pointed teeth usually cause puncture wounds and
lacerations that may inoculate bacteria into deep tissues.
Limited literature is available on other animal bites. Monkey bites
have a notorious reputation based largely on anecdotal
reports. Bites from
large herbivores generally have a significant crush element because of the
force involved.
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Reptiles and Salmonella
About 7.3 million "pet" reptiles are possessed by approximately 3% of U.S. households. Ninety percent of all
reptiles carry and shed salmonella in their feces. Iguanas, snakes, lizards, and turtles are common carriers of
the bacterium. Reptiles that carry salmonella do not show any symptoms; there is no simple way to tell which
reptiles play host to the microbe and which do not, because even those that have it do not constantly shed
the bacterium.
Salmonellosis associated with exotic pets has been described as one of the most important public health
diseases affecting more people and animals than any other single disease.17 The CDC estimates that
93,000 salmonella cases caused by exposure to reptiles are reported each year in the United
States.18
In Arizona, a 3-week-old boy was admitted to the emergency room with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea that had
persisted for 15 days. The infant was hospitalized for 10 days and treated with intravenous fluids and
amoxicillin. The cause of the illness was Salmonella poisoning which he contracted from the family's pet iguana.
One month later the infant was visiting relatives where the iguana had been relocated; two days after the visit
the infant was again rushed to the emergency room with fever and diarrhea and diagnosed with salmonella
poisoning.19
Individuals become infected by ingesting salmonella after handling a reptile or objects the reptile contaminated,
and then failing to wash their hands properly (this can be either indirect or direct contact with infected
reptiles). Salmonella bacteria do not make the animal sick, but in people, they can cause serious cases of
severe diarrhea (with or without blood), headache, malaise, nausea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and
even death -- especially in young children, the elderly, and those with immune-compromised systems. In
addition, salmonella infection can result in sepsis and meningitis (particularly in children) as well as invade the
intestinal mucosa and enter the bloodstream, causing septicemia and death.
During 1996-1998, 16 different state health departments reported to the CDC salmonella infections in persons
who had direct or indirect contact with pet reptiles,20 and in 1994 to 1995, 13 different state health
departments reported salmonella infections. The CDC recommends that children, people with compromised
immune systems, and the elderly should avoid all contact with reptiles and not possess them as pets.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&Dopt=r&uid=9041295
Iguanas and Salmonella marina infection in children: a reflection of the increasing incidence of
reptile-associated salmonellosis in the United States.
Mermin J, Hoar B, Angulo FJ.
Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Disease, National Center for Infectious Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical aspects and risk factors for Salmonella serotype Marina infection in the United States. METHODS: We identified all isolates of S Marina reported in 1994 to the National Salmonella Surveillance System. Patients were interviewed about demographic information, clinical course, diet, travel history, and contact with reptiles before illness. RESULTS: Twenty-six (81%) of 32 patients were infants (<1 year of age) and 24 (75%) were male. This differs from other Salmonella isolates reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1994, of which 14% were from infants and 49% from male patients. Eleven patients (34%) were hospitalized for a median of 3.5 days (range: 2 to 21 days), and 1 died. Of 28 patients (88%) with reported iguana exposure, only 4 (14%) touched the reptile, and only 12 respondents (43%) realized that it might have been the source of infection. Seven (32%) of 22 families who owned an iguana at the time of illness continued to own an iguana when contacted a median of 28 weeks later. Persons who thought that the iguana was the source of infection were more likely to have given away or sold the pet than those who did not. Four isolates (13%) were from blood. Bacteremia was associated with taking antibiotics during the 30 days before S Marina infection (odds ratio: 24; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-1309). CONCLUSION: S Marina infection is a potentially serious illness associated with iguana exposure, and it reflects the larger problem of reptile-associated salmonellosis. Many parents do not know that owning an iguana puts their children at risk for Salmonella infection.
Pediatricians, veterinarians, and pet store owners should inform their patients and customers of the potential risks of owning reptiles and provide appropriate preventive education.
NOTE: EDUCATION NOT PROHIBITION
is suggested.
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The Right to Live Free
Lions, tigers, bears, reptiles, and non-human primates, as well as every other exotic animal should have the
right to live a life free from human intervention and not as someone's "pet." Exotic animals belong in their
natural habitat. These animals do not deserve to be held in a captive environment, spending every day
confined to a small enclosure, unable to exhibit their natural instincts.
We must work with state and local governments to ensure the safety of these animals, and in the
process, protect the communities from the safety and health risks these animals pose when in the hands of private
individuals. We owe at least that much to ourselves and to the animals.
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The same could be said
for zoos and research facilities. "Exotic animals belong in their
natural habitat. These animals do not deserve to be held in a captive environment,..."
Incidents occur in zoos and research facilities as well as in private
situations. It is irresponsible reporting to not mention both.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where These Animals Come from
Every year, millions of animals enter the exotic pet trade from a variety of sources. These animals are either
captured from their native habitat and transported to various countries to be sold as pets, are surplus animals
from accredited zoos or their offspring, or come from backyard breeders.
It is easy to obtain an exotic "pet." There are more than 1000 internet sites which offer to sell, give care
advice, and provide chat rooms where buyers and sellers can haggle over a price. In addition, helping to
facilitate the exotic pet trade is the Animal Finders' Guide, which carries ads from dealers, private
parties, breeders, ranchers, and zoos offering large cats, monkeys, and other exotic animals for sale. Also, there are
numerous ads in periodicals advertising the sale of an exotic animal to private hands.
The sellers of these animals however, make no mention of the state or local laws regulating private
possession of exotics, or of the dangers, difficulties, physical and psychological needs of the animals they peddle. The
suffering of the animals in the hands of unqualified and hapless buyers appears to be of no concern in the
lucrative exotic pet trade.
Max, Denny, and Pfeiffer
Max, Denny and Pfeiffer, all lions, have survived the exotic pet trade. Pfeiffer and Denny were born in Michigan
while Max was rescued from an exotic animal auction in Indiana. These three animals were purchased for as
little as $500 a piece by inexperienced individuals who did not know the first thing about proper care and
treatment for large cats.
All three lions walk with an odd gait because their paws were declawed in a crude and inhumane manner by
their possessor. The animals also suffer from malformed joints caused by nutritional deficiencies.
Max, Denny, and Pfeiffer all left the Detroit Zoo in December 1997 and currently reside at PAWS sanctuary in
Galt, CA. Thankfully Max, Denny, and Pfeiffer were rescued and will live out their
remaining years in peace.
Notes
1. Associated Press. "Pet Tiger Mauls 10-Year-Old Girl." June 7, 1999.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Reptile-Associated Salmonellosis -- Selected States, 1996-1998." Morbidity
and Mortality Weekly Report, November 12, 1999, Volume 48, Number 44: 1009-1013 and "Errata: Vol. 48, No. 44." Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report, November 19, 1999. Volume 48, Number 45: 1051.
3. Anne Bowhay. "Monkey put down following attack; Lansing pet has to be tested for disease." Daily Southtown (Illinois), February
23, 2000.
4. American Veterinary Medical Association. "Exotic Animals and Wildlife." at www.avma.org/care4pets/ppetexot.htm
5. United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Position Statement: Large Wild and Exotic Cats
Make Dangerous Pets. Miscellaneous Publication No. 1560, February 2000; and at www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/position.html
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."Errata: Vol. 48, No. 44." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, November 19,
1999. Volume 48, Number 45: 1051.
7. Pat Derby and Betsy Swart. Surplus Animals: The Cycle of Hell. A study of Captive Wildlife in the United States. Galt, CA: The
Performing Animal Welfare Society, n.d.
8. Cynthia Hubert. "PAWS Gets Sick Monkey." The Sacramento Bee, December 8, 1998.
9. Stephanie R. Ostrowski, Mira J. Leslie, Terri Parrott, Susan Abelt, and Patrick E. Piercy. "B-virus from Pet Macaque Monkeys: An
Emerging Threat in the United States?" Emerging Infectious Diseases, Volume 4, Number 1, January-March, 1998: 117-121.
10. Ibid.
11. Jerry Urban and Peggy O'Hare. "Tiger tears off arm of 3-year-old boy." Houston Chronicle, March 15, 2000.
12. Palm Beach Herpetological Society/University of Florida. Venomous Snake Bite. n.d. at
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nasd/docs/as31600.html
13. Pete Brush. "Parents Charged After Python Kills Boy." APBNews.com, September 1, 1999 at
www.apbnews.com/newscenter/breakingnews/1999/09/01/python0901_01.html
14. Ostrowski.
15. Centers for Disease Control, B Virus Working Group. "Guidelines for Prevention of Herpesvirus Simiae (B Virus) Infection in
Monkey Handlers." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, October 23, 1987, Volume 36, Number 41: 680-682, 687-689.
16. Ostrowski
17. David L. Woodward, Rask Khakhria, and Wendy M. Johnson. "Human Salmonellosis Associated with Exotic Pets." Journal of
Clinical Microbiology, November 1997, Volume 35, Number 11: 2786-2790.
18. Susan Okie. "Reptiles and Children Don't Mix; Agency Says Youngsters Risk Salmonella Infection from Snakes, Turtles and
Lizards." The Washington Post, November 16, 1999.
19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Reptile-Associated Salmonellosis -- Selected States, 1996-1998." Morbidity
and Mortality Weekly Report, November 12, 1999, Volume 48, Number 44: 1009-1013.
20. Ibid.
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