Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Tropical fish, reptiles and turtles can be good pets but your should take care and follow safe handling rules so you do not get sick from your pet.
  • Reptiles and tropical fish can carry germs that can cause infections and illness in people.
  • Bacteria on pets can cause skin infections on some people and enter the body through cuts on your skin.
  • Salmonella, the bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis in people, can be picked up from handling your pet and their food.
  • You can avoid getting sick from your pet if you take simple actions such as washing your hands after handling your pet, keeping your pet away.
  • Those most at risk of illnesses and infections caused from handling reptiles and tropical fish are the elderly, children younger than five and people with weakened immune systems.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 12-05-2023