What is the 1975 turtle ban?

• A. Bans the sale of turtles with a carapace length less than 4 inches
• B. Bans the sale of turtles under 6 inches
• C. Bans export of turtles
• D. Bans keeping turtles as pets

Answer: (A)

Public health policy often uses targeted restrictions to cut down on disease risk from animal companions. In 1975 regulators banned selling turtles with a carapace length under four inches because these very small pets were commonly kept in homes and could spread Salmonella to people, especially children, through handling. The rule focuses on sales channels, not on keeping turtles as pets or on exporting them, so the best description is that it prohibits the sale of turtles whose shell length is under four inches.