10A NCAC 41A .0302 SALE OF TURTLES RESTRICTED

(a) To prevent the spread of salmonellosis from pet turtles to humans, no turtle with a carapace length of less than four inches shall be sold, offered for sale, or bartered by any retail or wholesale establishments except as follows:

(1) the sale of turtles shall be allowed to institutions for scientific or educational purposes;

(2) the sale of turtles shall be allowed for food purposes; and

(3) wholesale establishments dealing in the sale of turtles shall be allowed to sell turtles to other wholesale or retail establishments outside of the State of North Carolina, subject to the applicable state and federal laws.

(b) For establishments selling turtles in accordance with Paragraph (a) of this Rule, the following information, or words having similar meaning, shall be posted at every display of turtles for retail sale, printed on the sales receipt issued by the seller at the time of the sale, or printed on an information sheet accompanying the sales receipt issued by the seller:

"CAUTION: Children under 5 years old and people with weak immune systems (such as chemotherapy patients or those with HIV/AIDS) should avoid contact with reptiles. These people can get very sick from a germ called Salmonella that reptiles carry. Reptiles include lizards, snakes, alligators, and turtles. Wash hands thoroughly after handling turtles or material that had contact with turtles. Do not allow water or any other substance that had contact with turtles to come in contact with food or areas where food is prepared. Do not bathe turtles or clean their tanks in your kitchen or bathroom and do not have close contact with turtles which could allow direct contamination of the mouth (e.g., kissing, etc.)."

History Note: Authority G.S. 130A‑144;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. December 5, 1977;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2017; February 3, 1992;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.