To be panicky about this?

[Overpaintedlady]

We’ve just been to a local farm that has giant tortoises free to roam around. My 3 year old loves them and went up to stroke one on the head, before I could grab him to wash his hands, he’d licked his fingers 🤢
I looked it up online and it says that you should wash your hands after touching tortoises as they carry salmonella.
I washed his hands immediately after but obviously by that point it was too late. I’m a bit of a germaphobe anyway but this has really set me off!

I mean YANBU, if it panics you then it panics you

But it wouldn't panic me, pretty sure my 3yo has licked a lot worse!

Just because they carry salmonella doesn't mean he'll catch it. I'm sure Three year olds have cast iron digestive system as they touch everything and put their fingers and worse their mouths

We had tortoises as pets as children. We kissed, cuddled and played with them.

Still here telling the tale.

You should wash your hands after touching any animal (in theory) but the risks of contamination are usually very small.

Another who grew up with tortoises and certainly didn't wash my hands after each contact - I was never ill.

Hope your son is OK.

As your child grows you will pass your germophobia on. Might be worth looking into getting it treated.

Out of interest, what would your reaction be if a dog licked your DCs face or if he walked in fox poo in bare feet?