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Stay healthy at animal exhibits this summer!
From watching calf roping at the rodeo to petting lambs at the county fair, there are many ways to explore the animal world this spring and summer. 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.
Unfortunately, many people become sick every year because of a visit to an animal exhibit. It is important to remember that animals sometimes carry germs that are harmful to humans. When people forget to wash their hands after petting an animal or bring food into an area where animals are being housed, they are at risk for becoming ill.
Let's make this spring and summer healthier seasons! Below are some tips to help you prevent illness when visiting animal exhibits.
If you are visiting an animal exhibit:
- Find out where hand-washing stations are located.
- Always wash your hands after petting animals or touching the animal enclosure, especially before eating and drinking.
- Running water and soap are best. Use hand gels if running water and soap are not available.
Food and drinks
- Keep food and drinks out of animal areas.
- Do not share your food with animals.
- Do not eat or drink raw (unpasteurized) dairy products.
Children
- Children younger than 5 years old need supervision
- Never allow children to put their hands or objects (For example: pacifiers) in their mouth while interacting with animals.
- Hand washing should be supervised.
Elderly persons or others who might have a difficult time fighting off infections should use special precautions.
Reproduced from the CDC guide to Healthy Pets Healthy People.
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