Section 2612.1 - Turtle Salmonellosis(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful to import, sell or offer for sale or distribution to the public any live turtle(s) with a carapace length of less than 4 inches.(b) The Department or any authorized representative thereof, or any local health officer or his representative may order the humane destruction of any turtle(s) that are unlawful to import, sell or offer for sale or distribution to the public under subsection (a) above.(c) The Department or any authorized representative thereof, or any local health officer or his representative may quarantine turtles, take samples of tank water or any other appropriate samples of or from turtles offered for sale or distribution for the purpose of testing for Salmonella and Arizona organisms. The Department or any local health officer may order the immediate humane destruction of any lot of turtles found contaminated with Salmonella, Arizona, or other organisms which may cause or have caused disease in humans.(d) Shipments of turtles under 4 inches in carapace length are permitted to a governmental agency, or to a recognized research or educational institution for research or teaching purposes or to a zoological garden for display.(e) The following warning shall be posted conspicuously for buyer information at every display of turtles for retail sale or distribution or where the public may come in contact with turtles: CAUTION: Turtles may transmit bacteria causing disease in humans. It is important to wash the hands thoroughly after handling turtles or material that had contact with turtles. Do not allow water or any other substance that had contact with turtles to come in contact with food or areas where food is prepared. Make sure that these precautions are followed by children and others handling turtles.
(f) For each sale of turtle(s) at retail, a sales slip shall be issued by the seller to the purchaser at time of the sale. The sales slip shall include the name, address and telephone number of the purchaser and the seller, and the date of sale. The sales slip shall have printed legibly on its front the warning statement contained in subsection (e) above. The seller shall keep a copy of the sales slip, which shall include the name, address and telephone number of the purchaser for not less than one year, and keep a complete record of all purchases, losses and other dispositions of turtles.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 17, § 2612.1
1. New section filed 10-5-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 41).
2. Amendment filed 10-7-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 41). Note: Authority cited: Sections 102 and 208, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 205, 3051- 3053, Health and Safety Code.
1. New section filed 10-5-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 41).
2. Amendment filed 10-7-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 41).