According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anything that reptiles and amphibians touch should be considered possibly contaminated with which organism?

• A. Rabies virus
• B. Salmonella
• C. Baylisascaris
• D. E. coli

Answer: (B)

Salmonella is the organism of concern with reptiles and amphibians because these animals commonly carry and shed the bacteria without showing illness. Their feces, skin, and the surfaces they touch—enclosures, water dishes, toys—can become contaminated. Since people can transfer the bacteria from hands or contaminated objects to their mouth, the CDC emphasizes treating anything a reptile or amphibian touches as potentially contaminated. This is why proper hygiene is crucial: wash hands thoroughly after handling the animals or cleaning their habitats, keep reptile enclosures away from food prep areas, and avoid licking or kissing the animals.

Rabies is carried by certain mammals, not reptiles or amphibians. Baylisascaris is linked to wildlife like raccoons, not reptiles. E. coli is a broad organism that can be found in many contexts, but the specific risk highlighted for reptiles and amphibians by the CDC centers on Salmonella.