Federal law bans selling and distributing turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets because they have caused many illnesses, especially in young children. Despite the ban, these turtles are sold illegally online, at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands. Pet turtles of any size can carry Salmonella in their droppings. The CDC reported that small turtles in a recent outbreak caused 51 illnesses and 23 hospitalizations in 21 states. According to the CDC, sick people develop infections from two types of Salmonella: Salmonella Stanley and Salmonella Poona. @ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/turtles-08-24/index.html
