General Recommendations For Preventing Diseases Associated With Animals: A Guide For The Public
Protecting and promoting the health of the residents of Cuyahoga County
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Hand washing is the single most important step in preventing disease from touching animals or animal pens.
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HAND WASHING
5550 Venture Drive Parma, Ohio 44130
KEEP FOOD & ANIMALS APART
Eat and drink before going to visit the animals. Do not take any food or drinks into animal areas. Do not let children carry toys or use pacifiers, “sippy cups”, or bottles in animal areas. Do not smoke around animals.
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SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN
Children should be watched closely during contact with animals. Keep them away from animal droppings and soiled bedding. Do not allow thumb-sucking, nail biting, or other hand-to-mouth contact when you are around animals. Wash hands as soon as you leave the animal area.
Environmental Health Services
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ANIMAL CLEANLINESS
Make sure the animals and petting areas are clean and well kept. Don’t visit the animals if the petting area has a lot of animal droppings or the animals look dirty.
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BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES
To access services, Contact us at:
Phone (216) 201-2020 Fax (216) 676-1317 www.ccbh.net
Revised 04/2006
Have children change their clothes after petting the animals. Clothes and shoes can carry germs if a child leans on animals and railings or walks through mud. Wash the clothes in hot, soapy water before the clothes are worn again. Wash hands again after changing clothes.
References: 1. CDC Compendium of Measures To Prevent Disease Associated with Animal in Public Settings, 2005 2. Kids and Petting Zoos, WebMD
Escherichia coli Infection & Farm Animals
What is Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) ?
E. coli is a germ. The most common type of E. coli infection that causes illness in people is E. coli O157:H7. An E. coli infection
can cause watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, feeling sick to the stomach, and throwing up. The illness can be mild or severe. Young children are more likely to be severely ill. This infection can cause kidney failure, and even death.
How does E. coli get from animals to people?
Most people get E. coli from bad food such as undercooked ground beef. It can also be passed in the droppings of calves and other cattle. Animals do not have to be sick to pass E. coli to humans.
How can I reduce the risk of getting E. coli from animals?
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Wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap after contact with farm animals. ♦ Children under age 5 should be extra careful around cattle and other farm animals. This includes animals in petting zoos. ♦ If you or your children get diarrhea, stomach cramps, or are throwing up, contact your doctor. Be sure to tell the doctor if you have had recent contact with farm animals.
Reference: CDC-Healthy Pets Healthy People