Let's see...3 boas in the future house of a newborn baby. That just doesn't sound right to me. I know that people love their pets, and will say "they are really tame", or "I always keep them locked up", but a natural predator in the same house as a baby is not a good idea.

But, that's really not your question. Snakes, lizards, turtles and all reptiles can carry a disease called Salmonella, which can cause severe stomach and bowel disease in pregnant women and babies. Below is a question I answered previously about reptiles as pets.

Should I buy my baby a pet lizard?

Do you want a one-word answer……….No!

Any type of reptile, which includes lizards, turtles, snakes, etc., has the possibility of transmitting a disease called “Salmonella” to human beings.  This can cause a bad gastrointestinal problem in babies, the elderly, immunocompromised (cancer) patients, and pregnant women.  The Center for Disease Control approximates that 60 percent of all reptiles carry Salmonella.  Despite this fact, approximately five percent of U.S. households have reptiles as pets.  This five percent of the population should at least emphasize two things in their household:

·Do not let the reptiles freely roam around the house, because they can leave Salmonella in the house, and Salmonella can survive for approximately 3 years.

·Make sure you wash your hands every time you touch the reptile or any of his surroundings.

Save yourself and your family a headache, and buy your baby a stuffed gorilla.

My concern is not only what your daughter and your future grandbaby can catch from boas, but if the boas would ever "catch" your new grandbaby. If they would, they probably wouldn't let go. The house would be "safer" without the boas.

Thank you for your question. Dr. Mike

This article was reviewed 04/23/2010 07:24 AM