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HAND WASHING KEY TO CHILD SAFETY AT PETTING ZOOS
Charleston, W.Va – With fairs and festivals season just around the corner, The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is issuing an urgent warning regarding the need to thoroughly wash hands after touching animals at petting zoos, a popular activity at many events throughout the state.
“It is possible to contract a dangerous form of E. coli by touching farm animals and fences or equipment to which animals and humans have access,” 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 is no hand-washing station at the petting zoo, children should not be allowed to touch the animals.”
The primary pathogen of concern, E. coli O157:H7, is a particularly dangerous strain to humans, according to Dr. Jan Charminski, Director of WVDA’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Division.
“Various strains of E.coli are always present in the digestive tracts of many animals, but studies have shown that as few as ten cells of this particular strain can cause infection in humans,” said Dr. Charminski. “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.”
Studies have indicated that E. coli O157:H7 is found in only a small percentage of animals, and that those animals may or may not be shedding the disease in their manure at any particular time. There is no direct treatment for the disease in humans and no vaccine available to immunize animals against the disease.
What is known is that the disease is transmitted to humans through ingestion of fecal matter, which means good biosecurity practices can minimize the chance of anyone contracting this disease, or any other animal-borne disease.
“Animals will pick up fecal matter when they lay down and their immediate environment may also become contaminated. Therefore, any contact with the animal should be considered a possible contamination,” said Dr. Charminski.
Other tips:
- 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.
- “Finger foods” are very popular at fairs and festivals. Hands should be washed immediately after petting the 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.
SUGGESTED PSA
Petting zoos are a popular attraction for children at fairs and festivals throughout the state, but the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is warning parents that animals can carry diseases that can easily be transmitted to children, especially those who tend to put their fingers in their mouths. Cases of serious illness are rare, but not unheard of. However – just as during cold and flu season – thorough hand washing is an effective safeguard against contracting animal-borne diseases. So, feel free to pet the animals, but wash your hands afterwards for a fun and safe summer.
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The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
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