how long does salmonella live for?

Question

for example.. how long would it live on your skin, or a countertop, or inside the reptile itself...

this question is in regard to my pet savannah monitor and exposure to salmonella when cleaning his cleaning his cage, changing his water, general handling, etc.

Answer 1

On dry surfaces, it can live for 7-14 weeks. On wet damp surfaces, 2-3 months. It depends on the temperature and exact humidity conditions. They can survive for a long time and reproduce quickly, if the conditions are right.

I have not come across any finding how long salmonella bacteria can live in a host. To be frank, I would not worry too much. I have kept many reptiles and over 20 turtles right now. Treat them like raw chicken. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap, regular soap is mostly lye and fat, which cleans, but does not disinfect.

Anyway, ignore PETA ramblings and do-gooders who have no direct experience with reptiles. Treat it like a piece of raw chicken and you'll be fine. We live will various strains on salmonella and life goes on.

I have young children in the house and we wash our hands after any of us work with reptiles and before we eat. Nothing beats good hygiene.

Answer 2

You might want to also sanitize sink handles where you wash your hands (Coming from someone with OCD, but still a good idea since salmonella can live on hard surfaces for a long time)

Answer 3

wash with antibacterial soap and your should be fine, use antibacterial cleaning products on your counters as well. salmonella will live as long as it has the right environment so kill it with antibacterial products and always wash after touching your pet. inside the reptile it will probably live on forever... don't know much about reptiles but i do know bacteria will live as long as the conditions are right...