Small Turtles Sold Online in US Raising Concerns Since Having Them As Pets Cause Health Risks

Recent research raised concerns over selling hatchling turtles in the U.S. despite laws banning the said activity.

The researchers found a thriving online of small turtles in the country after discovering it from about 16 websites.

(Photo : by Stephen Morton/Getty Images)
August 23, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida

The research findings were published in the PLOS One journal and are available on the Phys.org website.

Although the tiny turtles could be cute-looking, they could cause health risks for your children and family members.

According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), selling tiny turtles as pets in the United States has been banned and illegal since 1975.

The Centers for Diseases explained that the said reptiles could result in salmonella outbreaks, especially the small turtles. Children could be the most vulnerable to illnesses associated with turtles.

The CDC added that it could be risky for children to touch or play with the turtles.

The report emphasized that Salmonella could cause older adults or children with an illness or, worst, hospitalization.

The resurgence of salmonella cases could be concerning for children, especially with small turtles four inches long. Families with children and older adults are not advised to have small turtles.

Tiny turtle pet trade

Published in the journal PLOS One, the report explained that researchers discovered that selling hatchling turtles was said to be thriving in the United States despite laws banning the said activity.

The researchers surveyed about 16 websites that were said to be involved in selling turtles as pets, with about four inches in size. The researchers are from the University of Rhode Island and the University of Richmond.

According to the report, selling turtles as pets became a trend in the 1960s and early 70s.

As the Centers for Diseases mentioned, salmonella and disease transfer were found in turtles, affecting children.

As a result, the researchers investigated how the ban on selling the said turtles could contribute to preventing hatchling sales on the internet.

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Furthermore, the CDC emphasized that internet users avoid buying small turtles less than four inches long.

It is best to consult reputable stores.

On the other hand, the research explained the websites, which they looked into, failed to warn buyers of potential diseases they could acquire, and appropriate laws about the sale.

The research also raised concerns about the low priority in addressing the enforcement of banning the sale of small turtles as pets due to pressing wildlife issues.

Ultimately, the researchers concluded that selling tiny turtles as pets has been thriving, although there are laws banning it.

Salmonella infection

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), turtles could carry bacteria on the skin of other animals, such as geckos.

FDA explained that anyone could be infected by touching the said reptiles or in contact with their habitats.

People who will get infected with Salmonella could feel vomiting, headache, nausea, fever or diarrhea, according to the FDA. It could become life-threatening to most vulnerable individuals.