Wash hands after handling pets

Exotic pets may expose young children to higher risks of disease and injuries than traditional household pets, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians in a new study published in their medical journal, Pediatrics.

The pediatricians’ group says these non-traditional pets — which include hamsters, hedgehogs, baby chicks, monkeys, lizards, and turtles — are likely to carry harmful or even potentially deadly germs. In addition, these exotic pets also tend to bite, scratch or claw much more often than the familiar cats and dogs.

The germs on their bodies and their unpredictable behavior can put younger children at risk, particularly those aged 5 and under.  Children in this age group are more vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing and they also put their hands in their mouths more often than at older stages.

Parents have little understanding of the risks from potential infections exotic pets carry, according to the research team leader. The researchers cited, for example:

* 1 of 10 Salmonella-related illnesses in children is believed to arise from playing with small reptiles, like lizards, iguanas, and turtles. 103 cases of Salmonella infection in late 2007 were due to pet turtles.

* The germ is also found in hamsters, and can induce severe diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

* Salmonella is common in baby chicks. Young children love to kiss or touch these animals, and the germs transfers to their mouths.

* Hedgehogs have sharp quills that can penetrate children’s skins. This can introduce bacteria into the inner layers of skin and cause fever, rashes, and stomach pains.

* In 2003, an outbreak of monkey pox infected 20 people in the Midwest. The germs came from imported African Gambian rats, which infected prairie dogs subsequently sold as pets.

The study says pet reptiles may be present in nearly 4 million households across the country. This estimate was based on data from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The report also noted a 75 percent increase in the number of exotic pets in the country from 1992. By 2005, illegal importations of exotic pets into the country had grown to 88,000 mammals, 1.3 million reptiles, and 203 million fish.

The report also warns that children can be infected even in public places, when they touch animals at zoos.

Safety Tips:

* Talk to a veterinarian or pediatrician first before buying an exotic pet for young children.

* Wash hands thoroughly after handling pets. Teach your children to do the same.

* Never make pets of wild animals. Teach children to stay away from any unfamiliar animal, even if it looks friendly.