Illness Prevention Associated With Live Animals at Petting Zoos and Fairs
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 to prevent zoonotic illnesses and make petting zoos and fairs fun and save places to enjoy animal contact. The emphasis 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.
Consult with your local health jurisdictions for guidance and questions. 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!
