Iguana E. coli
Can Iguanas
Transmit E-Coli Bacterica To People?
Iguanas, as with many animals, carry E. coli bacteria in their normal flora. They shed this bacteria in the feces, and can carry the germs for their entire lives without signs of disease. Even people carry E. coli bacteria normally in their digestive tracts.
E. coli becomes a problem when it contaminates a food substance, and is allowed to grow at room temperature over several hours. Outside the body at room temperature, the E. Coli germ can produce a deadly toxin. This is known as E. coli food poisoning. They is why it is not wise to leave raw meat out at room temperature for hours.
You should always wash your hands after handling any animal, including iguanas. You should take care not to contaminate areas with the iguana's feces. If you do this, you are far more likely to get the E. coli food poison from an unclean fast food restaurant than your iguana.
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