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TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TITLE 25. HEALTH SERVICES
PART 1. DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
CHAPTER 169. ZOONOSIS CONTROL
SUBCHAPTER F. REPTILE-ASSOCIATED SALMONELLOSIS
Date:
08/31/2009
Document:
§ 169.121. Reptile-Associated Salmonellosis
(a) The Texas Health and Safety Code, § 81.352, requires retail stores that sell reptiles to post warning signs and distribute written warnings regarding reptile-associated salmonellosis to purchasers in accordance with the form and content designated by the Department of State Health Services.
(b) The warning signs must meet the following guidelines.
(1) The sign must be a minimum of 8.5 x 11 inches with fonts that are clearly visible and readily draw attention to the notice.
(2) The signs must be prominently displayed at each location where reptiles are displayed, housed, or held.
(3) At a minimum, the contents of the sign must include the following recommendations for preventing transmission of Salmonella from reptiles to humans.
(A) Persons should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and running water after handling reptiles or reptile cages or after contact with reptile feces or the water from reptile containers or aquariums. Wash your hands before you touch your mouth.
(B) Persons at increased risk for infection or serious complications of salmonellosis, such as children younger than 5 years of age, the elderly, and persons whose immune systems have been weakened by pregnancy, disease (for example, cancer), or certain medical treatments (for example, chemotherapy), should avoid contact with reptiles and any items that have been in contact with reptiles.
(C) Reptiles should be kept out of households or facilities that include children younger than 5 years of age, the elderly, or persons whose immune systems have been weakened by pregnancy, disease (for example, cancer), or certain medical treatments (for example, chemotherapy). Families expecting a new child should remove any reptile from the home before the infant arrives.
(D) Reptiles should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home or living area. Wash and disinfect surfaces that the reptile or its cage has contacted.
(E) Reptiles should be kept out of kitchens and other areas where food or drink is prepared or consumed. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles or to wash their dishes, cages, or aquariums. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach. Wear disposable gloves when washing the dishes, cages, or aquariums.
(4) The sign must also contain a statement that reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can make people sick, but reptiles may not appear to be sick.
(c) The written warnings, such as fliers or pamphlets, must contain the same information and statements as required for the signs. The written warnings must also contain a statement that purchasers of reptiles can contact their local health department for questions pertaining to Salmonella.
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