Two cases of Salmonella linked to a country-wide outbreak in relation to the handling of household snakes and rodents have been confirmed in Newfoundland and Labrador.

There are close to 50 cases in eight provinces, including the two in NL.

Based on the information collected, the Public Health Agency of Canada says many of the people who became sick reported having direct or indirect contact with snakes and feeder rodents used as reptile food.

Dr. Maggie Brown-Bury, a veterinarian in St. John’s, says the illness can be mild for some, but serious for high-risk populations such as children, seniors, and the immunocompromised.

It’s recommended not to have small animals like reptiles and snakes in the same home as those who are at risk. Even by limiting contact between the person and the animal, Dr. Brown-Bury says bacteria can still spread through contact with surfaces.

It’s unlikely that pets such as cats and dogs would become sick from salmonella contamination, but there is a greater risk for human illness.