Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Bearded Dragons Spreads Across 11 States

According to a recent investigation, health officials nationwide are tackling a multistate outbreak of Salmonella bacteria linked to exotic household pets, particularly bearded dragons. As of November 7th, 2025, 17 people across 11 states have been infected, with 6 individuals hospitalized and 1 death reported.

The affected states include California, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. Authorities warn that bearded dragons and other reptiles can harbor Salmonella in their droppings, even when they appear clean and healthy. These germs can easily spread to the reptile's skin, habitat, and anything it comes into contact with, posing a serious risk to pet owners who handle the animals or touch contaminated surfaces.

Health officials urge owners to practice good hygiene, such as thoroughly washing their hands with soap and water after handling their bearded dragon, cleaning its enclosure, or touching anything in its environment. Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the United States, infecting an estimated 1.35 million people annually and leading to 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.