Information for Animal Venue Operators
In recent years, intestinal disease associated with venues where the public has contact with farm animals (e.g., petting zoos, state or county fairs, educational farms) has been identified with increasing frequency. Minnesota is no exception to this trend.
On this page:
National prevention recommendations
Recommendations for specific species
Posters for public venues
Consultation
Additional prevention information
National prevention recommendations
Specific national prevention recommendations have been developed for specific species or settings.- The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians has developed an extensive set of recommendations for the prevention of disease associated with animals in public settings; these recommendations are updated annually.
- Compendium of Measures To Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2011
Comprehensive information about preventing animal contact illness. CDC; National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. (NASPHV) Attention: Non-MDH link
- National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians
Attention: Non-MDH link
- Compendium of Measures To Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2011
Recommendations for specific species
Reptiles:
- We recommend that reptiles not be displayed in petting zoos.
- At fairs and petting zoos children under 5 years of age should not be permitted to enter the pen with the animals.
- Specific recommendations for the prevention of reptile-associated salmonellosis have been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Reptile-Associated Salmonellosis - Selected States, 1998-2002
CDC; MMWR: December 12, 2003 Attention: Non-MDH link
- Reptile-Associated Salmonellosis - Selected States, 1998-2002
Chicks, ducklings, and other young fowl:
- We recommend that chicks, ducklings, and other young fowl not be displayed in petting zoos.
- At fairs and petting zoos children under 5 years of age should not be permitted to enter the pen with the animals.
- Specific recommendations for the prevention of salmonellosis associated with chicks and ducklings have been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Salmonellosis Associated with Chicks and Ducklings - Michigan and Missouri, Spring 1999
CDC; MMWR: April 14, 2000 Attention: Non-MDH link
- Salmonellosis Associated with Chicks and Ducklings - Michigan and Missouri, Spring 1999
Calves:
- We recommend that calves not be displayed in petting zoos.
- At fairs and petting zoos children under 5 years of age should not be permitted to enter the pen with the animals.
- As demonstrated by the outbreaks associated with educational programs in Minnesota, it is extremely difficult to prevent infections in children who have close, prolonged contact with young calves.
- A detailed and comprehensive prevention plan should be created before such a program is undertaken.
- Consultation
MDH is available for consultations on prevention plans for educational programs.
- Consultation
Posters for public venues
The MDH Foodborne, Vectorborne, and Zoonotic Diseases Unit has developed three free educational posters for animal exhibit operators.
- Prevent Disease Posters for Animal Venues
Downloadable printable posters and information on ordering printed materials for your animal venue.
Consultation
The MDH Foodborne, Vectorborne, and Zoonotic Diseases Unit is happy to consult on prevention plans for educational programs; we can be reached at 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414.
Additional prevention information for animal venue operators
- Healthy Pets, Healthy People
CDC Attention: Non-MDH link
Spotlight
Reptiles and Amphibians: Salmonella
Some reptiles and amphibians can make cool pets, but they can also be a source of illness. Reptiles (e.g., Iguanas, turtles, snakes) and amphibians (e.g., frogs and toads) carry Salmonella.
Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness.
Zoonotic Diseases: Disease Transmitted from Animals to Humans
A zoonosis (zoonotic disease or zoonoses -plural) is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans (or from humans to animals). Common illnesses associated with animal contact include Rabies, Brucellosis, Blastomycosis, and Plague.
Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Young children (children in diapers) that are experiencing diarrhea should not be allowed to go swimming or attend daycare.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
