Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network

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Farm Animal Contact

Edited by: Mary Schroeder, M.S., R.D. & Pat Kendall, Ph.D., R.D., Colorado State - Summer 2004

Whether your family is heading for the county fair or a visit to the zoo this summer, keep in mind that thorough handwashing is in order when visiting the animal petting areas. Farm animals such as cows, sheep, pigs and goats can pass diseases to people, primarily through their feces or anything that it touches.

Pathogens of Concern

Different types of animals can carry different diseases, which can be quite serious depending on a person's age and health status. The pathogen, E. coli O157, is prevalent in the manure of young calves and other cattle and can cause very serious illness, especially in young children. Animals do not have to be ill to transmit E. coli O157 and other pathogens to humans. Pigs can carry the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica which causes the disease yersiniosis. In addition to farm animals, the illness salmonellosis can easily be passed to people by reptiles (lizards, snakes and turtles), baby chicks, ducklings, and even by dogs, cats, pet birds, and horses.

Special Advice

Those advised to take special precaution around contact with farm animals include infants, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems due to illness or chronic disease. Special care should be taken even with school-age children. Everyone should assume that animals are contaminated and take precautions accordingly.

It is important that visitors refrain from any hand-mouth activities, such as eating, drinking, smoking, and carrying toys or pacifiers in the animal interaction areas. Ideally, trained staff and posted signs will remind visitors to wash their hands immediately on leaving the interaction area. Handwashing stations with running water, soap and disposable towels should be available, but if not, using a hand sanitizer is better than nothing. All food and beverages must be prepared, served, and consumed only in animal-free areas, and only after adequate handwashing has occurred. Raw milk should never be offered.

Further Information

The website www.cdc.gov/healthypets/animals/farm_animals.htm provides links to simple safety tips for protecting people who may be at increased risk for infectious diseases. Some individuals such as pregnant women, or those with HIV/AIDs, organ transplants or cancer may choose to avoid contact with farm animals altogether. The majority of people can continue to enjoy the enriching experience of interacting with farm animals with this added perspective.

Sources

1. Center for Disease Control. National Center for Infectious Diseases. Healthy Pets Healthy People. Diseases from Farm Animals.www.cdc.gov/healthypets/animals/farm_animals.htm.
2. Center for Disease Control. Foodborne Outbreak Response and Surveillance Unit. Recommendations: Farm Animal Contact. www.cdc.gov/foodborneoutbreaks/pulication/recomm_farm_animal.htm

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