CDC Warns About Having Bearded Dragons as Pets

Pets are considered beloved family members. In fact, Pew Research showed more than half (51%) of people in the U.S. considered pets as much of a part of their families as humans. Cats and dogs make up the majority of companion animals, and adults and children alike may enjoy snuggle sessions with these furry friends.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns against cuddling—and keeping—another type of pet: bearded dragons. The agency issued a warning about salmonella linked to these reptiles on June 14, 2024.

The CDC report traced 15 cases of salmonella in nine different states to bearded dragons. Four people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. The majority of cases (60%) were in children under 5. 

“Bearded dragons can carry salmonella in their droppings,” explains William Slemp, DO, a North Carolina-based pediatrician at Novant Health Forsyth Pediatrics. “These droppings can cause the pet to have salmonella on their skin or in their environment.”

The report issued a reminder that bearded dragons aren’t recommended as pets for people younger than 5, 65 and older, and immunocompromised because they are most at risk for serious illness.

Health care providers explain the report, how salmonella can get from a bearded dragon to a human, symptoms, and best practices for people with family pets.

How Bearded Dragons Spread Salmonella

It’s normal for bearded dragons to have salmonella.  

“Like most reptiles, bearded dragons carry a bacteria called salmonella on their skin,” says Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious disease expert with the Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston. “This is normal for them in the same way that it is normal for humans to have a bacteria called staphylococcus on our skin.”

Dr. Yancey says that because salmonella is normal, it can’t be washed off and can also spread to humans. “Those who touch bearded dragons or their environment can get the germ on their skin,” Dr. Slemp says. “If they are not careful, the germ can be transferred to food or their mouth when they touch their mouth or face.”

The skin isn’t the only way it can spread.

“People can get salmonella from bearded dragons through contact with the reptile’s feces or surfaces contaminated by feces,” says Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a California-based board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. 

Salmonella Symptoms and When To Seek Care

Salmonella can prompt gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. Dr. Slemp shares telltale signs include:

“Symptoms start between six hours and six days after ingesting the bacterial,” Dr. Slemp says. “Typically, symptoms resolve in four to seven days.”

Most symptoms will resolve after an infection. “Though there can be other complications like reactive arthritis, which can cause joint pain, eye irritation, and painful urination that can linger for longer and require treatment,” adds Dr. Slemp.

While people younger than 5, older than 65, and immunocompromised are more at risk for severe sickness, no one is immune. “Some healthy people can end up in the hospital very sick, though, as some strains can infect urine, blood, joints, or the nervous system, causing a severe illness,” Dr. Slemp says. 

If in doubt, call a health care provider, especially if you care for young children experiencing salmonella signs.

“If your child experiences these symptoms, contact a health care provider,” Dr. Ganjian says. “Salmonella can be serious, especially for young children.”

Other Animals That Can Carry Disease

While the current report specifies bearded dragons, other animals can make children sick, especially those under 5. Understanding the risks can help you make the most informed decisions about the best pet for your family.

Reptiles

Dr. Yancey shares that all reptiles, not just bearded dragons, can carry salmonella. Additionally, reptiles can carry mycobacteriosis, a bacteria linked to soft tissue lesions, joint and bone infections, and lung disease in humans. As with salmonella, children, adults 65 and above, and immunocompromised are most at risk.

Rodents

Gerbils are also common household (and classroom) pets. But they, and other rodents, can carry bacteria. “Gerbils and other rodents can carry a bacteria called lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus that can cause meningitis,” Dr. Yancey says.

The CDC notes that rodents can also carry bacteria that can trigger leptospirosis, which is spread through pee and can cause GI discomfort and fever, among other symptoms.

Birds

While rare, getting sick from bird bites and scratches is possible. 

“Birds can carry a bacteria called Chlamydia psittaci that causes a rare form of pneumonia,” Dr. Yancey says.

The CDC says other potential infections spread through pet birds include histoplasmosis and psittacosis, and young children and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk for serious illness. 

Can Dogs or Cats Get Kids Sick?

Dogs and cats are the most commonly kept pets, but they can also cause illness. “The most common infections from cats and dogs are skin infections after being bitten,” Dr. Yancey says.

What are the concerns?

“Dogs carry a bacteria called Capnocytophaga canimorsus that can cause bloodstream infections in people with weak immune systems,” Dr. Yancey says. “Cats carry a bacteria called Bartonella henselae that causes a disease called cat scratch fever that is transmitted through bites, mostly from kittens.”

Tips To Keep Kids Safe Around Animals

Whether you’re keeping animals as pets or heading to a petting zoo, a few simple measures can keep everyone safe.

Dr. Yancey advises people to:

• Wash hands after handling any animal
• Keep the animal away from areas where young children crawl
• Do not let animals lick open wounds
• Keep animals on leashes outside the home
• Avoid using your hands to separate fighting animals 

Dr. Ganjian emphasizes the importance of disposing of pet waste properly and not allowing young children near it (or giving them this responsibility as a chore).

Finally, like people, pets require regular doctor’s appointments.

“Take your animals to the vet regularly to ensure that they are healthy and not inadvertently causing sickness in the home,” Dr. Slemp says.