Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial illness caused by Campylobacter bacteria, it is considered a zoonotic disease (Uzal, 2022) and its prevalence in humans is increasing (Masila, 2020).

Campylobacteriosis is associated with many animals including kittens, puppies, lambs and cattle (Minnesota Department of Health, 2023). Bearded dragons, like many reptiles, can also carry these bacteria in their intestines and potentially shed them in their feces, which may contaminate their environment and, in turn, pose a risk to their owners.

A study conducted by Whiley et al., (2016) in Australia found that 33% of tested lizard feces were positive for Campylobacter jejuni, a major cause of Campylobacteriosis in humans. Of these, 60% were from captive lizards, which highlights the potential for household reptiles to transmit the bacteria.

Campylobacter spp. are the most common cause of bacterial gastrointestinal illness in humans.

(Patrick et al., 2013)

Key Points

• Bearded dragons can carry Campylobacter bacteria without showing symptoms.
• Campylobacteriosis is one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness in humans.
• Humans can contract Campylobacteriosis through poor hygiene, cross-contamination, and direct contact with feces or contaminated surfaces.
• Maintaining clean habitats, washing hands regularly, and minimizing close contact are essential in reducing the risk.
• Vulnerable individuals are at a higher risk of severe infection, so extra precautions should be taken.

Symptoms of Campylobacteriosis Infection in Humans

The infection typically causes symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting (Masila, 2020)

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 5 days after exposure and last about a week. Most people recover without the need for specific treatments aside from rehydration. However, in rare cases, it may lead to more severe conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause temporary paralysis.

What are the Chances of Getting Campylobacteriosis from my Bearded Dragon?

Several studies have confirmed that reptiles, including bearded dragons, can carry Campylobacter bacteria. Masila et al. (2020) reviewed numerous studies and identified the infection rate of lizards:

• Netherlands 38%
• Australia 33%
• Taiwan 1.7%

Masila et al. (2020) also outlined factors that increase the risks being:

• Pet owners or handlers that did not wash their hands after handling squamates.
• Cleaning practices that were inadequate, especially with water. Reptile feces can easily contaminate water and water containers.
• Squamates that were subjected to poor living conditions, diet, and lack of veterinary care.
• Reptiles that are allowed to roam freely.
• Reptiles consumed by humans (eg some traditional Chinese dishes).

Feeding your bearded dragon mice can increase the chances of exposure to Campylobacter bacteria. Wild rodents, in particular, are known carriers of Campylobacter, and when reptiles consume infected rodents, they can become carriers of the bacteria themselves (Meerburg & Kijlstra, 2007).

The possible risk of infection from pet lizards through their handling, contamination, or contact with wild lizards has been established by several studies.

• A study carried out in 2013 established 9 cases of human infection with new subspecies of campylobacter fetus (Patrick et al., 2013) following contact with reptiles directly or indirectly.
• A study from Taiwan detected Campylobacter fetus in the fecal samples of tested wild and domestic reptiles (Wang and Shyu, 2013).
• A study in 2016 detected the presence of Campylobacter jenuni (the species responsible for about 99% of human campylobacter infection) in the faeces of lizards from central Australia. 33% were positive and out of the test subjects there was a 60% infection rate in captive lizards (Whiley et al, 2016).

These studies establish a potential for transmission of campylobacter directly from contact with reptiles including lizards. Also, a potential for spread to food production farms when established vectors like flies and rodents come in contact with bearded dragons.

How can I Tell if my Bearded Dragon has Campylobacteriosis?

Bearded dragons, like other reptiles, can carry Campylobacter bacteria in their intestines without showing any signs of illness. Just like Salmonella, these bacteria can be shed in their feces and contaminate their environment, including surfaces they come into contact with, their enclosure, and potentially any objects within it.

Since bearded dragons do not typically show signs of Campylobacteriosis, the only way to definitively determine if your bearded dragon is carrying Campylobacter bacteria is through laboratory testing, which would involve collecting and analyzing a fecal sample by a veterinarian.

Preventing Campylobacteriosis from Reptiles

By following simple preventive measures, you can greatly reduce the chances of contracting Campylobacteriosis from your bearded dragon or other reptiles. Maintaining good hygiene and proper handling practices will not only protect you but also help keep your pet healthy.

This information is adapted based on common recommendations and supported by research findings from the study by Masila et al. (2020).

1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly:
   o After handling your bearded dragon or anything in its enclosure, always wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, making sure to scrub all parts of your hands.
2. Keep the Enclosure Clean:
   o Regularly clean and disinfect your bearded dragon’s habitat, including its food and water dishes, to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
   o When cleaning the enclosure, avoid using kitchen sinks or other areas where food is prepared to prevent cross-contamination. Designate specific tools for cleaning your reptile’s habitat and wash them separately.
3. Avoid Close Contact:
   o Do not kiss or cuddle your bearded dragon. Reptiles can carry diseases with zoonotic potential like Campylobacter and Salmonella without showing any signs of illness.
4. Restrict Access to Food & Sleeping Areas:
   o Keep your bearded dragon out of areas where food is prepared or consumed, such as kitchen counters and dining tables and from your bedroom.
5. Use Proper Handling Practices:
   o When handling your bearded dragon or cleaning its habitat, avoid touching your face or eating before washing your hands.
   o Always wash your hands after touching anything the bearded dragon may have come into contact with, such as enclosure or bedding.
6. Regular Veterinary Care:
   o Regular checkups with a reptile veterinarian can help support the health of your bearded dragon and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
7. Extra Precautions for Vulnerable Individuals:
   o Take extra precautions when vulnerable individuals may be impacted.

Conclusion: Campylobacteriosis Risks & Prevention

While owning a bearded dragon is a rewarding experience, it’s important to be aware of potential health risks such as Campylobacteriosis. By following proper hygiene and handling practices, you can keep both yourself and your pet safe. For further information or advice tailored to your situation, consult your veterinarian and healthcare provider.

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References

Masila, N. M. (2020). Zoonotic and Public Health Implications of Campylobacter species and Squamates (Lizards, Snakes and Amphisbaenians).

Masila, N. M., Ross, K. E., Gardner, M. G., & Whiley, H. (2020). Zoonotic and Public Health Implications of Campylobacter Species and Squamates (Lizards, Snakes and Amphisbaenians). Pathogens, 9(10), 799. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9100799

Meerburg, B. G., & Kijlstra, A. (2007). Role of rodents in transmission of Salmonella and Campylobacter. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 87(15), 2774–2781.

Minnesota Department of Health. (2023, April). Common Intestinal Illnesses Associated with Animal Contact – MN Dept. of Health. Minnesota Department of Health.

Patrick, M. E., Gilbert, M. J., Blaser, M. J., Tauxe, R. V., Wagenaar, J. A., & Fitzgerald, C. (2013). Human Infections with New Subspecies ofCampylobacter fetus. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 19(10).

Uzal, F. (2022, December). Enteric Campylobacteriosis in Animals. MSD Veterinary Manual; MSD Veterinary Manual.

Wang, C.-M., Shia, W.-Y., Jhou, Y.-J., & Shyu, C.-L. (2013). Occurrence and molecular characterization of reptilian Campylobacter fetus strains isolated in Taiwan. Veterinary Microbiology, 164(1-2), 67–76.

Whiley, H., McLean, R., & Ross, K. (2016). Detection of Campylobacter jejuni in Lizard Faeces from Central Australia Using Quantitative PCR. Pathogens, 6(1), 1.