As with many other animals, snakes can carry Salmonella bacteria which can make people sick. To reduce the chance of infection, follow these safe reptile handling steps.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after you handle your pet reptile, its food and anything it has touched.
Keep your pet reptile in a habitat designed for it; don't let it roam around the home, and keep it off of your bedding.
Keep your pet reptile and its equipment out of the kitchen or any area where food is prepared.
Don't nuzzle or kiss your pet reptile.
Don't eat while handling your reptile, or afterwards without washing your hands! Animal crackers are especially prohibited!
Avoid handling your reptile while drinking, socializing, or otherwise being rowdy, it's not nice to your snake and you may get hurt!
Keep reptiles out of homes where children under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. Children under 5 should handle reptiles only with adult/parental guidence. And, they should always remember to wash their hands afterwards.	While these images were made in a humorous manner, they are not meant to take away from the seriousness of the message here.

Developed in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Adapted from a copyrighted 1997 Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Notification