On Tue, 15 Sep 1998, MustangCharlie said:
>Because reptiles and amphibians are cold blooded, the bacteria's natural
>'killer', warmth, is not present, so the little nasties are very common and
>when introduced to a warm blooded mammal, will 'explode' and overwhelm it's
>new host.
 
I'm not sure I understand this.  If the natural killer of salmonella is
warmth, wouldn't exposure to a warm-blooded animal decimate the salmonella
bug?  Also, since ferrets' digestion and elimination occur so quickly,
would the bugs not pass through with less time to do damage?  I am thinking
specifically of polecats eating lizards, eels, etc.  Not trying to flame,
just trying to understand.  Thanks!
[Posted in FML issue 2435]