turtles

In the 60’s and early 70’s turtles were the most popular reptile species kept by hobbyist. The red-eared slider, a native of the southern United States, was the most popular of all the turtles. Then infections with salmonella effectively shut down the pet trade. Even today the open sale of turtles 4 inches and under remains illegal in the US and Canada. It is believed that turtles 4 inches and under in size are the most likely to spread salmonella.