Basic Precautions around Animals at Fairs & Petting Zoos

Livestock and other domesticated animals can carry disease-causing germs like Salmonella, E. coli and, in the case of pigs, influenza.  If you are going to be around animals at a petting zoo, county fair, or other similar setting, taking some basic precautions can help ensure that you don't pick up these germs. 

Basic precautions for staying safe around animals:

• Know that animals can carry germs that can make people sick
• Never eat, drink, or put things into your mouth in areas where animals are displayed
• Older adults, pregnant women, and young children are at especially high risk
• Wash your hands with soap and water right after touching animals or their surroundings

Clean hands save lives - wash 'em!

Frequent and proper handwashing is an important step in stopping the spread of germs.  Learn more about how & when to wash, soap vs. sanitizer, and more at :

Clean Hands Campaign (for everyone)

Clean Hands Kids (for kids)

• "Wash Hands When Leaving Animal Exhibits" [PDF - CDC]

More info:

• Influenza A (H3N2) Variant - a flu virus that can be spread from pigs to humans
• "Prevent the Spread of Flu between People & Pigs at Fairs" [PDF - CDC]