Preventing Illnesses Associated With Live Animals at Petting Zoos and Fairs

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Exhibits such as petting zoos and fairs allow children of all ages to have the thrilling experience of coming face-to-face with animals. This interaction allows people to learn more about animals and helps to build an important human-animal bond.

Sometimes, those animals at petting zoos and fairs can carry organisms that make people sick. Especially young children and persons who are immunocompromised are at greatest risk for infection and complications from illnesses caused by Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, but also influenza A (H3N2), rabies and others.

In 2013, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Department of Livestock (DOL) launched a campaign in conjunction with the CDC to prevent zoonotic illnesses and make petting zoos and fairs fun and safe places to enjoy animal contact. This campaign is called OneHealth. The focus of this campaign was placed on getting hand washing stations and educational material out to fairs, so visitors can learn about illnesses associated with animals and have the tools to prevent them. Since then, this campaign has evolved into a strong inter-agency collaboration that helps Montanans stay safe around animals.

Together, we can prevent illnesses and keep our children and communities healthy. The benefits of animal companionship far outweigh the risk of complications. Let’s keep it that way!

  • Stay home if you are experiencing flu-like illness to avoid spreading your illness to other people and animals.
  • Keep toys, pacifiers, cups, bottles, strollers or similar items out of animal areas.
  • Don’t eat, drink or put anything in your mouth or touch your eyes while in animal areas, such as barns and show arenas.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and running water after touching animals, animal-associated equipment or their environments, such as a barn or enclosure. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.