Turtles blamed for salmonella outbreak

CHICAGO (AP) - A new report seeks to remind people that having pet turtles, still sold illegally in the U.S., is not the best idea due to salmonella risk.

Researchers report a 2007 to 2008 outbreak that sickened 107 people, mostly children, in 34 states, was the largest outbreak blamed on turtles nationwide.

Illnesses from the same kind of salmonella turned up coast to coast through January 2008, including 12 people in California, 10 each in Pennsylvania and Texas, and nine in Illinois.

In many cases, parents did not know that turtles can carry salmonella. Salmonella in turtle feces can end up on their shells and body, and can spread to people who handle them.

Turtles involved were bought at pet shops, flea markets, from street vendors and online. The report said the Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate.

Turtle sales were banned in 1975. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there were almost 2 million pet turtles nationwide in 2006.