Captive reptiles and amphibians, along with their prey, present a significant vector threat for salmonella as well as other pathogens. One of the leading researchers involved in their study is Dr. Jennifer Wright at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who will be a panelist at the Reptile Law Symposium in Washington, D.C., in November.

Dr. Wright received a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Auburn University in 1994 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, also from Auburn, in 1998. She worked in private practice for several years before obtaining a Master’s of Public Health from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in 2002.

Dr. Wright led a study of infection control practices among 3000 practicing veterinarians in the US, the results of which were used to guide development of infection control practices for veterinarians. From 2006-2009, Dr. Wright served as the Study Director for the Anthrax Vaccine Research Program and the ACIP Anthrax Vaccine Work Group lead. She currently serves as the Team Lead for the Health Promotion and Program Implementation team within the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases at CDC, where she has worked on recent outbreaks of human illness related to backyard poultry, small turtles (<4”), and frozen rodents used as reptile feed. Dr. Wright and her team work with the public and stakeholders to ensure pet owners are able to enjoy their animals, while also ensuring they are protecting their health.

To learn more about the issue of salmonella and reptiles and amphibians, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Dr. Wright will be a panelist at the free National Reptile and Amphibian Law Symposium in Washington, D.C., November 8-10. For more information and to register to attend, click here.