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Petting Zoo Dangers
July 8, 2010 Updated Jul 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM EDT

Petting zoos are always a fun activity for families with little kids. They're also a great opportunity to learn about farm animals, like goats and sheep. But, according to a new study, too many kids aren't learning one of the most important things during their petting zoo visit. It's a problem you run into with all animals. Dr. Mark Tanenbaum, a pediatrician, says that "the animal is contaminated with it's own bacteria even when it's healthy. And many of those bacteria are dangerous, pathologic and can cause disease to human beings." But, according to research published in the journal 'Clinical Infectious Diseseases', only thirty percent of people wash their hands after leaving a petting zoo. "I think it shows the need for parents to have additional information, additional knowledge how to protect their children when they visit such petting zoo's or places where animals are in direct contact with the public," says Dr. Tanenbaum. And that, he says, includes three crucial steps. One: avoid any petting zoo where the animals seem dirty or sick. Two: make sure your kids know not to put their fingers in their mouth after touching the animals. Three: before they leave, they have to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. So, with the right precautions, many experts and parents agree that taking a child to the petting zoo is worth the very small risk "I think we should strive to appreciate the diversity of life on this planet, while we continue to wash our hands as we do so," concludes Dr. Tanenbaum.
Experts say the biggest threat comes from e-coli. But even if a child gets some in their system, only rarely do they get sick enough to warrant medical attention. Usually it results in a day or two of diarrhea and occasional vomiting.

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