Practical hygiene measures for animal handlers and visitors to events with animal displays and petting zoos include:
When in the proximity of animals:
Avoid hand to mouth contact – do not suck fingers or objects, touch your mouth with hands, or lick fingers
Do not kiss or bring animals close to the face
Avoid wiping hands on clothing
Do not eat food or drink water intended for animals
Do not eat or drink around animals or in animal contact areas
If you feel unwell do not enter animal contact areas
Treat animals respectfully
Clean items such as pram wheels if they come in contact with animal faeces or urine
Pregnant women, immunosuppressed people or parents of small children are more at risk of illness and should take extra caution
Always wash hands with soap and running water AFTER:
Touching animals, their enclosures or food containers
Being licked, bitten or spat upon by animals
Having contact with soil and faeces
Wash any object or item that has fallen on the ground and has been in contact with animals before returning to children.
Always wash hands with soap and running water BEFORE:
Eating, drinking or smoking. Always ensure that you eat and drink away from animal areas.
Physically contacting other people e.g. shaking/holding hands, hugging, carrying etc.
Remember hand washing is one of the most important practices in preventing the spread of disease.
Parents, guardians, teachers, and carers should supervise children and others in their care when they are around animals, including ensuring that they practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands after contact with animals.