i know that amphibians can carry salmonella can other aquatic creatures also?

Question

like fish and snails? do i risk getting salmonella by cleaning my aquarium?

Answer 1

No, but wash your hands afterwards. The "scare" was mainly because the little darling children who had itty bitty turtles as pets were putting them in their mouths...

Answer 2

There are some diseases that can be spread by aquarium water or by aquatic animals to people (these are generally called zoonoses, and aren't specific to just aquariums).

For you to get salmonella (and it is possible from fish/aquaria), you would have to put your hands in your mouth after coming in contact with the bacteria to be affected.

Another that could be passed is fish TB (actually a bacterial disease caused by mycobacterium - see this link and go down to the fish TB to see the photo: http://www.fishpalace.org/Disease.html#External - and see the comment at the end of this article: http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Keefer_FishTB.html ).

To be on the safe side, wear long gloves when cleaning, especially if you have any cuts/abrasions. Getting these diseases isn't common, but it can happen.

For more complete lists of what you can get from your tank, see the links below:

Answer 3

I am not an expert but I have two boys who bring home all sorts of little moving creatures.... my best advice is to wash your hand very well after handling anything questionable. Soap and warm water really reduces your odds. I know that iguanas and turtles carry samonella and that younger children can get sick (even die) if they handle "pets"- usually they forget to was their hands then touch their mouth. Kids forget and hands look clean syndrome. My kids have had huge land snails, many turtles, salmanders, frogs, mudpuppy things, hermit crabs,fish and etc.,... and they have never had samonella issues. Could be jut lucky too.
I say wash your hands afterwards and you'll probably be safe.
PS. Be careful about getting any type of soap in your aquarium because we killed off the bacteria/flora once...pet store said to be sure to rinse your hands with plain water no soap before messing with the aquarium.

Answer 4

No....even with amphibians, the risk of getting salmonella is low. I have 2 tree frogs and a Chinese fire bellied newt. Just wash your hands before and after with warm water and plenty of soap and you will be fine. Always disinfect the surfaces: sink, kitchen counter, etc. after using.

If you are concerned, go to Walmart and buy those plastic gloves...they sell them in the cleaning section (where they keep the bathroom cleaning supplies and sponges).

P.S. - Do not use any type of soap to clean your aquarium...will kill your pets!!! Just a tip. :0)

Answer 5

You get salmonlla by eating the fish.