Dilemma...

[Hay]

I've had 2 giant African land snails as pets for the last 3 years and I have just read online that these snails carry the salmonella germ...fp*. I'm a bit panicky right now as I think I should get rid of these pets due to my heightened anxiety. Ive never been ill from my snails before (although I often suffer from ibs d* which I could have confused with mild salmonella). Now I'm really paranoid and am scared to clean them out. Should I give my snails away? I am more at risk from s*...I really don't know what to do. I got my snails before I had severe emetophobia so I feel like I am abandoning my pets. Bottom line is...I'm willing to abandon my snails in order to reduce my anxiety. But should I?

*****NOTE***** these snails as pets are illegal in the US but I'm in the UK so I'm legal.

[Ana Bellini]

Look, there may be snails carrying the salmonella germ as well as there are dogs carrying rabies. If your snails carried SG, you would have gotten sick already. Don't abandone your pets. Is there any exam that shows if they carry SG?
About your anxiety, we are here. We can help you to get rid of it. Of course, the pets are yours. If you are avoiding them, don't want them anymore, then find a new home for them.

[Puppydog]

If you still love the little guys,and want to keep them, keep them! Dont let your anxiety take away things you love! If your snails carried anything you would know after three years.

[asianeko]

Lots of reptiles and such can carry it, and that's totally okay. As long as you wash your hands after handling them (and before is actually recommended too, to keep them safe!) you should be fine! I have a friend who breeds corn snakes (so he has a bunch!) and also has two bearded dragons and a frilled lizard. All are at risk of carrying salmonella, and he's never had a problem.

Hopefully that helps put your mind at ease! I'd keep them and just wash up after

[spilled_milk]

Turtles carry salmonella too, but I used to have them and like Bonnie said, as long as you wash your hands after handling them you will be totally fine! We had snakes and turtles in our elementary school classrooms, and I never heard of anyone getting salmonella. Just wash!

Keep your pets They're your pets, and you love them! This phobia shouldn't get in the way of that.

[Hay]

Thanks for your advice. I have decided to keep my pets but just remember to be very careful and clean when handling their food and dirt. ( they live in a tank in my house) you are all quite right, I shouldn't let this phobia make me give up on my little pets! My snails keep me sane and in control and make a face my phobia every day!!