It’s the time of year for visiting fall festivals and Christmas tree farms. Many of these venues have petting zoos and sell food products, a combination that is a potential health risk if proper hand-washing isn’t included.
Parents and guardians are advised to help keep children safe by following these recommendations from the CDC:
• Visit hand-washing stations at petting zoos, festival locations and farms. Make sure children wash their hands right after petting animals or touching pens, cages, etc., where animals are housed.
• Wash hands before touching food or drinking, before preparing food or drinks and after removing soiled clothing or shoes after visiting farms or petting zoos.
• Keep food and drinks out of areas where animals are held.
• Do not eat or drink raw, unpasteurized juices, cider, milk or cheeses.
• Constantly supervise children younger than age 5 while in animal-holding areas.
• Do not allow children to put thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects in their mouths while in the animal areas.
• Do not take strollers, bottles, pacifiers, cups or toys into animal areas.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/features/animalexhibits/.
