![]() Washing your hands can lower the risk of developing an infection ( 1). If you are handling a live or recently killed lizard, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly immediately afterward - even if the lizard appears to be healthy and clean. Lizards may carry various disease-causing bacteria, such as Salmonella, and can spread them to humans by contact. The same cautions also apply to handling lizards. Not only are wild lizards more likely to carry harmful bacteria, but they have sharp teeth and claws that may cause harm by spreading germs and other toxic substances from their mouth to a wound ( 1). However, lizards and other reptiles are more likely to carry them, along with a variety of other disease-causing bacteria ( 3).Īdditionally, hunting and killing wild lizards yourself has more health risks than purchasing lizard meat from an exotic butcher. These types of bacteria can also be present in more common meats, like chicken. These symptoms may occur within 30 minutes to several days after consuming the meat ( 7). Common signs of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These bacteria can cause a foodborne illness, or food poisoning. coli), Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. If not cooked enough, lizards and other reptiles can pose serious health concerns ( 3).įor starters, lizards may carry various disease-causing bacteria, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli ( E. If you purchase lizard meat from an exotic butcher, ask them for guidance on safe handling, cooking methods, and temperature. There are not many official guidelines on temperature for cooking reptile meat, but recommends cooking poultry until its internal temperature reaches 165☏ (74☌) ( 2). In general, lizards are safe to eat if cooked thoroughly. The types of lizards that people most commonly eat are the green iguana, black iguana, gecko, green anole, brown anole, and skinks. They are generally safe to eat when cooked properly. Lizards are a popular delicacy in many parts of the world. The most common types that people eat include:Īside from lizards, other popular reptiles that people eat include: People in Western countries do not commonly eat lizards because they are more difficult to hunt, farm, and prepare than popular meats, such as chicken, beef, pork, and fish. To find out whether hunting and killing lizards is legal in a particular area, check the laws for your region. This makes it easier to buy iguana meat in Florida, and in states with similar laws, than in other parts of the United States. ![]() Lizards are a cheap and accessible dish in some places, such as parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and even throughout North and Central America.įor example, in Florida, people consider lizards like the green iguana to be an invasive species, so it’s legal to hunt and humanely kill them. In fact, people around the world enjoy eating them in many different dishes.
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