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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 How to keep your kids safe at petting zoo By Dr. Elizabeth Smoots Herald Columnist If you want to scratch the chin of a goat or tickle the ear of a rabbit, a petting zoo can't be beat. It's the reason millions of families flock to the attractions at animal parks and fairs each year. After all, where else do city kids have a hands-on opportunity to get to know live animals up close and personal? But the popular activity occasionally leads to unfortunate outbreaks of human disease. Why? Well, under certain circumstances, even cute and healthy-looking critters -- whether feathered, furry, four-legged, or otherwise -- can unwittingly pass germs to their human friends. That means it's up to us, the grown-ups, to keep the experience safe and fun. Infections from zoos People can contract certain illnesses from animals. A dread form of kidney disease called hemolytic uremic syndrome can complicate infections from the bacteria Escherichia coli O157:H7; the culprit has caused numerous outbreaks among petting-zoo attendees. Also reported, among others, are potentially serious infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Leptospira, Salmonella, Giardia, Coxeilla and Cryptosporidium. How are the germs passed? Touching the animals, the bedding or the manure are the most common sources of infection. Results from study Last year, researchers made unannounced observations at 36 petting zoos in Ontario. Since no one knew they were there, the researchers were able to record actual occurrences at the events. What they found was pretty disturbing. Calves, lambs and chicks are especially likely to spread infections to children. Yet, at some places, children were encouraged to touch or even kiss these baby animals. Several ill animals were found among those available for petting, which included horses, sheep, goats, ponies, rabbits, chickens, ducks, donkeys, pigs and deer. Parents often carried with them objects that come in contact with young children's mouths. Once contaminated, the items in question -- baby bottles, pacifiers, spill-proof cups and infant toys -- can easily transmit germs to kids. Good hand hygiene is essential for combating germs. Yet, an average of only 31 percent of children at petting zoos washed their hands at the end of the visit before leaving. The researchers found that 94 percent of the facilities provided hand-washing stations -- though they weren't always handy or easy to use. The researchers concluded that petting zoos need to do more to prevent infections in kids. What can parents do? Based on the research in Clinical Infectious Disease, here are steps you can take when visiting a petting zoo: Safe place: Before entering the exhibit, find a safe place to stash strollers, baby bottles, pacifiers, cups, toys or other items that could pick up germs. Look for instructions: Upon entering the area, search for posted instructions on how to avoid infection. If you have questions, talk to the attendant on duty. Don't eat or drink: Do not buy or consume food or beverages inside petting zoos. And don't feed the animals. Watch the kids: Closely supervise children in animal visitation areas. Do not allow kids to touch bedding, manure or animals that are sick or very young. No thumb-sucking: Teach your child not to touch his or her mouth or suck a thumb after handling animals. Wash hands: Before leaving the petting zoo, have everyone thoroughly wash their hands for at least 15 seconds with soap and water. For more information: American Academy of Family Physicians, familydoctor.com. © 2008 Elizabeth S. Smoots

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