Environments where people may come into direct contact with animals:
(1) zoos, especially petting zoos
(2) open farms
(3) animal exhibits at local fairs
Steps to reduce risk of enteric spread:
(1) Information about the risks from animal contact and preventive measures should be available to all participants.
(2) The staff at the facility should be trained about the risks, to recognize problem situations, and able to assist visitors.
(3) The contact area should be designed to minimize risk.
(4) Special precautions should be taken with animals associated with a high risk of transmitting enteric pathogens, with quarantine as needed.
(5) Handwashing facilities should be adequate and available for use immediately after the contact has been completed.
(6) Activities with hand-to-mouth contact (eating, drinking, smoking, use of pacifiers, etc.) should not be allowed in the interaction areas.
(7) Food preparation and serving areas should be separated from animal interaction areas.
(8) Toilets and infant care settings should be provided away from the animal interaction areas and should have handwashing stations.
(9) Persons at high risk for serious infection should be informed of the risk and should take increased precautions following any animal contact.
(10) Raw milk, cheese made from unpasteurized milk and similar foods should not be served.
Animals at high risk for transmitting pathogens:
(1) calves and young ruminants
(2) young poultry
(3) ill animals
Persons at high risk for serious infection include:
(1) unsupervised children < 5 years of age
(2) elderly
(3) pregnant women
(4) immunosuppressed or immunocompromised patients (transplant, HIV, other)
