MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report · 2015 · 22 citations · 1 references
Veterinary MedicineInfectious Disease ControlInfectious DiseasesFoodborne Disease EpidemiologyInfectious Disease EpidemiologyOutbreak InvestigationFoodborne Outbreak InvestigationFoodborne ZoonosesMolecular SurveillanceSurveillance Of Foodborne IllnessZoonotic Foodborne InfectionsFoodborne Disease PreventionFoodborne Pathogen SurveillanceFoodborne Zoonosis SurveillanceSalmonella InfectionsSerotype DistributionStreet Food VendorsStreet Vendors
In May 2014, a cluster of human Salmonella Poona infections was identified through PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance. Historically, this rare serotype has been identified in multiple Salmonella outbreaks associated with pet turtle exposure and has posed a particular risk to small children. Although the sale and distribution of small turtles (those with carapace [upper shell] lengths <4 inches [<10.2 cm]) is prohibited by federal law, they are still available for legal purchase online for "bona-fide" scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes, other than use as pets. In addition, small turtles are still available for illegal purchase through transient street vendors, at flea markets, and at fairs.
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