The Princess and the Frog, Disney’s newest flick that involves a Princess kissing a frog, is causing veterinary groups and the CDC to issue warnings about carrying out such behavior in real life. It’s also possible that the movie is furthering a recent Salmonella outbreak that the CDC says is most likely due to contact with frogs.
According to the CDC, 80% of the affected patients in the current Salmonella outbreak are under 10 years old, though it has sickened people as old as 54 years old. The people most likely to risk a serious infection are young children (under 5), the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
The CDC put out these guidelines for responsible amphibian care:
* Keep amphibians and reptiles out of child care centers.
* Don’t keep amphibians or reptiles in a child’s bedroom, especially kids younger than 5.
* Do not allow amphibians or reptiles to roam about the house.
* Keep amphibians and reptiles out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink is prepared or served.
* Wear disposable gloves when cleaning habitats and thoroughly wash your hands afterward, just in case. The gloves should be thrown away.
* Do not bathe animals or their habitats in your kitchen sink. If bathtubs are used, they should be disinfected with bleach.
Thu, Dec 17, 2009
General Animal News