Hand-Washing Key to Child Safety at Petting Zoos
With fairs and festivals season just around the corner, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is issuing an urgent warning regarding the need to thoroughly wash hands after touching animals at petting zoos popular at many events throughout the state.
“It is possible to contract a dangerous form of E. coli by touching animals and fences or equipment they may have come into contact with,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “It is imperative that parents ensure that children immediately wash their hands after visiting a petting zoo. If there are no hand-washing facilities available, children should not be allowed to touch the animals.”
The primary pathogen of concern, E. coli O157:H7, is particularly dangerous to humans, according to Dr. Robert Pitts, Director of WVDA’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Division.
“Various strains of E.coli are always present in the digestive tracts of many animals, including humans, but studies have shown that as few as 10 cells of this particular strain can cause infection in people,” said Dr. Pitts. “Children are especially at risk because their immune systems have not fully developed, and exposure to this strain can result in irreversible kidney damage or death.”
The disease is transmitted by ingestion of fecal material that may be found on animals and around their pens. Although studies show that only a small percentage of animals carry this dangerous strain of E.Coli, the popularity of petting zoos and the enthusiasm of children mean adults should exercise extra caution.
“Animals will pick up fecal matter when they lay on the ground and their immediate environment may also become contaminated. Therefore, any contact with the animal should be considered a possible contamination,” said Dr. Pitts.
• Young children who suck thumbs, etc., should not be allowed to touch the animals, the fences surrounding the animals, or any equipment that is in close proximity to the animals.
• Waterless hand sanitizers are good, but nothing beats warm, soapy, running water to clean hands.
• “Finger foods” are very popular at fairs and festivals. Hands should be washed immediately after touching animals and again before eating anything as an extra measure of safety.
• E. coli can survive for extended periods outside the body. Shoes can be a source of infection if they come into contact with manure. Wash your hands after touching potentially contaminated shoes. Consider scrubbing and rinsing the soles with warm, soapy water.