weve had our leopard tortoise for about 3 wks and have tried to keep an eye on our 2 youngest children. made sure that there hands were washed when we saw them touch it(although they have been told not to touch it). well needless to say our youngest became sick. we took him to the hospital and told them about having a new tortoise. we are both in the medical field. they brushed us off saying it was a viral infection. the next night he was throwing up and running a 103 degree fever. took him to a different hospital. they were gonna discharge him with the same diagnosis until i voiced my concern with the dr. he took a stool sample and had it tested. a few days later i got a call from the dept of health. i was right. he had salmonella. we have put a hasp lock very high on our bedroom door where the kids cant reach. our door had a lock on the handle but they learned how to break in. do all tortoises regardless of age carry salmonella? we want to get another one but am hesitant to do so after that scare.