April 14, 2005

Cleanliness is important when visiting petting zoos, farms

RICHMOND—A trip to a petting zoo can be a fun summertime outing for children and parents alike. But what seems like harmless fun can have some dangerous consequences if the correct safety precautions are not taken.

With the recent hospitalization of five children who visited a petting zoo at a Florida fair, some Virginia attractions are feeling the negative effects. The children contracted a kidney condition associated with E. coli bacteria found in animal feces.

Cecelia Moyer, a dairy producer in Amelia County, has been giving farm tours to school groups since 1991 and has never had any concerns until recently. She said a kindergarten class cancelled their annual field trip to her farm after parents voiced concerns when they heard about the incidents in Florida.

“It’s a shame,” Moyer said. “Teachers have called this the best tour of the year.”

Children are allowed to pet calves and other farm animals on the tour. While Moyer provides soap and water for visitors, she encourages teachers to bring other germ-fighting products such as wipes. She also added that her farm already has to meet specific state and federal health regulations for dairy operations.

“I think it’s the parents’ responsibility to teach their children to use common sense and wash their hands,” Moyer said.

Luray Zoo owner Mark Kilby said he hasn’t seen a decline in visitors since the incidents in Florida. He has worked with animals for more than 40 years and has owned the Luray Zoo since 1996. “We put in a lot of hard work and long hours to keep our facility clean,” Kilby said. “A lot of people don’t want to put in that much effort.”

Hand washing stations with anti-bacterial soap are located around the zoo’s petting area.

Other petting zoo safety precautions include keeping food and drinks out of animal areas and making sure children keep their hands and objects out of their mouths before washing their hands. Health officials suggest scrubbing with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.

Contact Kilby at 540-743-4113.