Bearded dragons are certainly known to carry salmonella.
Interestingly research has shown that it is captive reptiles that are far more susceptible to carrying this bacteria than those in the wild.
Bearded dragons are certainly in the mix there and have become more prominent in health concerns for pet owners as their popularity increases.
In one study in 2007, reptiles in four pet shops in Nebraska (United States) were tested for Salmonella.
They found that almost 55% of the 80 pet reptiles tested were carrying Salmonella as compared to 6.
6% of those in the wild.
There are no outward signs that will signify the bacteria is present within your beardie, the only way you will know is if you have it tested for it.
But this doesn't mean you need to abandon the idea of buying a bearded dragon or getting rid of one that you own, you can also get Salmonella from food but you cannot stop eating.
It simply calls for sensible practices.
Unless of course you have infants, small children or others who are vulnerable to Salmonella in which case you should be very wary.
In some cases, the exotic pets (reptiles) that were associated with infecting children didn't even involve the child itself touching or being near it.
There was a case in California in 2001 where the child's father looked after a snake at work which he would wrap over his shoulders (he was a biologist for a school).
The child was taken to the hospital after becoming ill and found to have Salmonella.
Although the child's father knew that reptiles are likely to be carrying Salmonella and took normal precautions such as washing his hands, he didn't change his clothes prior to coming home.
There was another case in Australia where an eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) was found to have infected a child.
The child was apparently never in direct contact with the pet bearded dragon but became infected.
And of course it was the bearded dragon that was placed in a new home.
There are a number of ways to contract Salmonella from your bearded dragon, or any reptile.
The obvious here is touching it, but it could also get through a wound or potentially even the air.
Typically it is contracted through the fecal to oral path.
It can be in their water, it can get on your clothes, definitely can be in your pets enclosure and could even come from something fed to it such as a mouse.
Salmonella lives for some time unless eradicated.
It can live for six (6) months in an uninhabited enclosure.
So how do you deal with it? By taking simple precautions and practicing good husbandry.
Fortunately Salmonella is susceptible to disinfectants and moist heat.
Caring for your bearded dragon properly is the key.
Keeping a good cleaning routine including for the enclosure and equipment is absolutely crucial.
This means both the daily clean up of waste and food plus providing fresh water.
A weekly clean up should include disinfecting everything.
Include water dishes, enclosure, tank furnishings and the usually housework.
Always use disposable gloves and keep all cleaning equipment for the enclosure dedicated for just that purpose.
Other good practices include:

• Clean up any spilt fluids, such as water, straight away.
  Warmth and moisture make for a wonderful breeding ground for pathogens.
  If the water is spilling frequently then consider changing the type of dish being used.
  
• Washing your hands after touching your bearded dragon.
  If it has been touching your clothes then consider changing.
  This is easiest done when there is a routine for handling, such as every afternoon prior to your daily shower is ideal where you will typically change your clothes.
  
• Don't bath your bearded dragon in your bath tub.
  It should have its own dedicated bath.
  
• Do not let your bearded dragon roam around your house, particularly near the kitchen.
  
• Never wash the bowls in the sink or dishwasher.
  
• Don't drink, eat, smoke or do any other activity around your bearded dragon that involves hand to mouth.
  
• Always ensure new reptiles are quarantined from others until cleared.
  

If young children touch these adorable reptiles or any item it may have come in contact with, ensure their hands are washed thoroughly.
Children have a propensity to put their hands in their mouths so ensure that doesn't occur prior to washing.
But remember direct contact is not the only way to contract Salmonella.
In summary understand the risks of contracting Salmonella, know how to control it from becoming a problem, maintain good husbandry practices and enjoy your bearded dragon.