Fair and Petting Zoo Safety:  Preventing E. coli Outbreaks

Millions of Americans get in touch with their rural roots each year by taking children to agricultural fairs and petting zoos.  Venues like the state fair are as “American as apple pie,” but without precautions, these “apple pie” experiences can result in illness. 

Bringing the general public into direct contact with animals can result in the transmission of a host of pathogens that are public health hazards.  These hazards include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.  Certain segments of the population are more at-risk for contracting these pathogens:  the young, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with a suppressed or compromised immune system such as people infected with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, and organ transplant recipients.

Public health officials have long recognized the need to maintain a sanitary environment in petting zoos and fairs, but outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7, Cryptosporidium, Campylobacter, and other diseases among fair and petting zoo attendees have drawn increased public attention to the need for animal exhibitors to involve local health departments, veterinarians, and sanitarians in planning to ensure a safe environment for exhibit attendees.

In July 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed and published the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians’ report, “Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2009” (MMWR, May 1, 2009).

Major recommendations made by NASPHV in the report include:

• Wash hands after contact with animals to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
• Do not allow food, drink, or pacifiers in animal areas.
• Include transition areas between animal areas and non-animal areas.
• Educate visitors about disease risk and prevention procedures.
• Properly care for and manage animals.

This website was designed to inform parents of the potential risks associated with zoonotic diseases (e.g. diseases from animals to people) at fairs and petting zoos.  We also provide a summary of recent outbreaks and the lessons learned.  Ultimately, we hope that this information serves as a valuable resource for those looking for ways to prevent disease transmission and outbreaks before they occur.