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Food Safety Works Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network

SAFEFOOD NEWS - Fall 1998 - Vol 3 / No. 1

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Fairs, Farms, and Petting Zoos ... A Source of Foodborne Illness?

What do Australia, Colorado, Washington and Minnesota have in common? All of these locations have experienced foodborne outbreaks where the source has appeared to be from petting animals. A recent discussion on the "Foodsafe" listserv addressed this topic.

A Food Scientist from the Health Department of Western Australia, reported that several cases of salmonelliosis in children under the age of twelve were found to be associated with petting farms and country home-stays. Colorado has experienced Salmonella infection traced back to a komodo dragon exhibit at the zoo, which had allowed youngsters to pet the reptiles. Minnesota has experienced a similar occurrence with reptiles at zoos, as well as some foodborne outbreaks at county fairs where the source appeared to be animals. The Washington State Fair was connected to a foodborne infection this past September.

Is this a new issue? Probably not, but there appears to be some forgetfulness or ignorance on the consumer's end in regard to good hygiene. The simple solution is to educate the consumer on the potential risk and to offer resources at petting zoos and fairs for handwashing. The installation of handwashing stations at the exits of the petting zoos and show barns at fairs may be helpful. This would provide the consumer with the opportunity to practice good hygiene. Of course, if the consumer is not educated on the potential risk of foodborne illness from petting animals, the handwashing facilities may go unused.

To subscribe to the Foodsafe listserv or to browse the Foodsafe archives, visit the USDA/FDA Foodborne Illness Education Information Center at: www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodborne/foodborn.htm.

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Updated Monday, August 29, 2011