Editing Red-eared slider (section)

===Infection risks and United States federal regulations on commercial distribution===
[[File:Red-eared sliders and Mallard in Golden Gate Park 1.jpg|thumb|right|A line of basking red-eared sliders faces an inquisitive [[mallard]].]]

Reptiles are asymptomatic (meaning they suffer no adverse side effects) [[Asymptomatic carrier|carriers]] of bacteria of the genus ''[[Salmonella]]''.<ref name="salmonella">{{cite web |author=Iglesias, Isabel |title=Tortuga de orejas rojas |website=tiendanimal.es |url=http://www.tiendanimal.es/articulo.php?id=59&languages_id=3&categoria=20 |access-date=21 July 2007}}</ref> This has given rise to justifiable concerns given the many instances of infection of humans caused by the handling of turtles,<ref>{{cite journal |title=Multistate outbreak of human salmonella infections associated with exposure to turtles 2007–2008 |date=25 January 2008 |volume=57 |issue=3 |pages=69–72 |periodical=Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (CDC MMWR) |place=United States |publisher=[[Centers for Disease Control]] |url=https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5703a3.htm?s_cid=mm5703a3_e}}</ref> which has led to restrictions in the sale of red-eared sliders in the United States. A 1975 [[U.S. Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) regulation bans the sale (for general commercial and public use) of both turtle eggs and turtles with a carapace length less than {{convert|4|in|cm|abbr=on}}. This regulation comes under the Public Health Service Act, and is enforced by the FDA in cooperation with state and local health jurisdictions. The ban was enacted because of the public-health impact of turtle-associated [[salmonellosis]]. Turtles and turtle eggs found to be offered for sale in violation of this provision are subject to destruction in accordance with FDA procedures. A fine up to $1,001 and / or imprisonment for up to one year is the penalty for those who refuse to comply with a valid final demand for destruction of such turtles or their eggs.{{refn|{{cite web |website=GCTTS |department=FAQ |title="4&nbsp;Inch Law", actually an FDA regulation |url=http://www.gctts.org/node/31}}<br/>See also <ref name=FDA-Reg-§1240.62/>}} Many stores and flea markets still sell small turtles due to an exception in the FDA regulation that allows turtles under {{convert|4|in|cm|abbr=on}} to be sold "for ''[[bona fide]]'' scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes, other than use as pets."<ref name=FDA-Reg-§1240.62>{{cite report |title=Turtles intrastate and interstate requirements |series=FDA Regulation |at=Sec. 1240.62, page 678 part d1 |url=http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/aprqtr/21cfr1240.62.htm}}</ref> As with many other animals and inanimate objects, the risk of ''Salmonella'' exposure can be reduced by following basic rules of cleanliness. Small children must be taught to wash their hands immediately after they finish playing with the turtle, feeding it, or changing its water.