The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising careful hygiene habits around exotic pets due to a salmonella outbreak.

A salmonella outbreak across six Canadian provinces is being linked to pet snakes and rodents.

Ninety-two cases of salmonella were reported in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador between April 2017 and October 2019. Manitoban exotic pet owners are advised to beware of the outbreak and prevent the spread through hygiene.

An investigation has found many of the individuals had contact with a pet snake, rat, or rodent used as pet food before becoming sick.

The Public Health Agency of Canada advises frequent handwashing and separation between pet food and human food.