Animal contact safety information revised

HSE has published revised information on preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions such as open farms and petting zoos.

These types of visitor attractions provide great entertainment and education for young children and families. It is unusual for people to become ill following a visit with only a small number of cases reported each year.

People can become infected with E. coli O157 or Cryptosporidium parvum and other micro-organisms through consuming contaminated food or drink, through direct contact with contaminated animals, or by contact with an environment contaminated with animal faeces.

Straightforward steps such as washing hands following contact with animals can prevent infection.

The information sheet provides clearer guidance on a number of areas such as washing facilities, animal contact and segregation with eating areas. It has been revised following wide consultation with interested bodies. It has been developed in conjunction with the industry.

Premises covered by this guidance include:

• farm attractions, eg open farms/farm parks

• animal petting/handling enclaves within other attractions (including those at zoos etc)

• city farms or other educational establishments

• working farms with livestock that occasionally open to the public, eg for school visits or to participate in ’Open Farm Sunday’ or similar events

• rare breed and rescue centres

• agricultural shows or country fairs where livestock are present

• travelling menageries or mobile animal petting/handling enterprises

• other similar visitor attractions at which the public have contact with animals.