Though a recent national salmonella outbreak was linked to products containing peanut butter, reptile tanks have been a more likely source than the cupboard for the bacteria locally.

In the last year, at least four confirmed cases of salmonella infection in Lewis and Clark County have been attributed to pet turtles, according to the city-county health department.

There has yet to be a Montana case linked to the national salmonella outbreak.

To avoid salmonella contamination from pets, the health department advises several precautions, including keeping reptiles -- such as turtles, lizards or snakes -- out of homes where children under 5 years old, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems live.

According to Laurel Riek, environmental health specialist for the health department, since cases have continued to pop up throughout the year, the department is trying to get the word out on how to handle reptiles.

"You can enjoy your animals, but just take these extra precautions," said Riek. "Pay attention to what you're doing. Handling reptiles can land a small child in the hospital."

Salmonella infection causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps that begin 12 to 72 hours after ingestion of the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. However, salmonella can cause severe illness requiring hospitalization and death. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

To reduce the risk of salmonella illness associated with reptiles, the health department recommends the following precautions:

• Reptiles, including turtles, are not appropriate pets for small children. Keep reptiles out of homes with children under 5 years old, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems.

• Do not allow reptiles to roam freely through the house, especially through food preparation areas.

• Keep the animals' habitat clean, inside and out.

• Do not clean tanks or other supplies in the kitchen sink. Use bleach to disinfect the place where reptile habitats are cleaned.

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any reptiles, their housing, or anything (for example, food) that comes in contact with a reptile or its housing.

"Always wash your hands after enjoying the animals. Remember to disinfect areas that are used for cleaning habitats," Riek advises.

Dana Coil, owner of Pet Town on 11th Avenue, said her store has always advised against reptiles as pets for small children due to the salmonella risk.

She also said she tells people who buy reptiles about the importance of hand-washing and never kissing the animals.

"A lot of the things are common sense," Coil said.

Salmonella bacteria live in the intestinal tracts of animals such as reptiles amphibians, livestock, rodents and birds.

For most of these animals, having salmonella does not make the animal sick. Reptiles are particularly likely to harbor salmonella and may shed large numbers of bacteria. Baby chicks and birds can also shed a large volume of salmonella bacteria.

A person can pick up bacteria on their hands just by touching the animals or their habitat. If the person then touches their mouth or food, Salmonella may be ingested, and cause an infection.

Reporter Joe Menden: joe.menden@helenair.com or 447-4087