N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 10 § 2.58

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 43, October 23, 2024

Section 2.58 - Turtle-associated salmonellosis and other bacteriological contamination which may cause disease in humans

(a) On and after the effective date of this section, no person shall bring into the State of New York or sell or offer for sale or distribute at wholesale, retail, or as gifts to the public, a live turtle or turtles with a carapace length of less than four inches.

(b) The New York State Department of Health or any designated representative thereof, or any local health officer or his representative may at any time take samples of tank water or any other appropriate samples from turtles offered for sale or distribution, test the same, and order the immediate humane destruction of any lot of turtles found contaminated with salmonella or other bacteriological contamination which may cause disease in humans.

(c) The following warning must be posted conspicuously at every display of turtles for retail sale or distribution or where the public may handle turtles, unless the requirement is waived in writing by the State Commissioner of Health:

"CAUTION: Turtles may transmit bacteria causing disease in humans. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling turtles or material in a turtle bowl; not to allow water or any other substance from a turtle bowl to come in contact with your food or areas where your food is prepared; and to make sure that these precautions are followed by children or others handling turtles."

(d) Pursuant to the Executive Law the Attorney General may seek injunctive relief or any other remedy therein for violation of this section.

(e) Turtles of any size may enter the State for teaching use in educational institutions, or for delivery to research institutions approved by the New York State Department of Health pursuant to the provisions of article 5 of the Public Health Law, as amended.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 10 § 2.58