Turtle-associated salmonellosis in the United States. Effect of Public Health Action, 1970 to 1976

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Abstract
The effect ot state and federal legislative actions on the incidence of human salmonellosis associated with pet turtles was examined. The Salmonella Surveillance System of the Center for Disease Control was used to identify Salmonella serotypes that were and were not specifically turtle-associated. From 1970-1976 there was a 77% reduction in frequency of turtle-associated serotypes and no consistent trend among non-turtle-associated serotypes. Decrease in frequency of turtle-associated serotypes correlated best with decrease in total production of pet turtles. Reduction in turtle-associated serotypes temporally correlated with an 18% reduction in frequency of salmonellosis in children aged 1-9 yr. Frequency of turtle-associated serotypes rapidly fell in states importing turtles in contrast to states producing them. Continued but infrequent occurrence of salmonellosis in children with pet turtles counsels against relaxing legislation concerned with its control.

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