Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in Imported Turtles and Lizards in Japan

Abstract

In 2001 and 2004, 91 fecal samples or intestinal contents from pet turtles and lizards imported into Japan from nine foreign countries were examined for the prevalence of Salmonella spp.Salmonellaspp. was isolated from 56.0%(51/91) of all samples, and 66Salmonellaisolates were identified as subspecies I to IV. The majority of isolates (59.1%) belonged to subspecies I, and 34 of 66Salmonellaisolates could be identifiedas any of 18 serovars. The predominant serovars were found to be S. Weltevreden, S. Anatum, S. Durban and S. Senftenberg. Five (7.6%) of 66 isolates showed antimicrobial resistance. These results indicate that a significant percentage of pet reptiles carrySalmonellawhen they are imported into Japan.