Gastroenteritis from animals

How infections spread

Animals can carry harmful germs (called pathogens) in their bodies, even if they look healthy. These germs can spread to people through contact with animals or their surroundings.

People can become infected by:

• touching animals, cages, or equipment and then touching their mouth
• eating, drinking, or smoking without washing their hands.

Common causes of gastroenteritis include bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, or parasites like Cryptosporidium. In rare cases, infection with certain strains of E. coli may lead to serious complications such as haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).

Although encounters with animals don’t usually result in illness, care must be taken to reduce the spread of germs from animals to people.

Preventing infection from animals

Operators of zoos, farms or animal exhibits are responsible for providing patrons with information and facilities to reduce the risk of infection from animals. They must train staff to safely manage interactions of humans with animals.

Handwashing

Handwashing is the most effective method for reducing the risk of infection when visiting a zoo, farm or animal exhibit.

The operator should provide handwashing facilities with running water, soap and disposable towels. Display signs encouraging patrons to wash their hands and where to find handwashing facilities.

Hands should be washed:

• after touching animals or leaving animal environments
• before eating, drinking or smoking
• after removing dirty clothing or shoes.

For mobile farms that do not have permanent handwashing facilities, options include:

• portable wash basins with running water, soap and paper towels
• alcohol-based hand rubs or gels
• disposable hand wipes.

Proper handwashing involves:

• using soap and running water
• washing hands for at least 15-20 seconds.

Eating and drinking facilities

• Eating and drinking should only occur in designated areas away from animals.
• Food preparation and consumption areas must be kept separate from animal contact zones.
• Do not provide raw (unpasteurised) milk to visitors to consume.

Supervision of children

Always supervise children around animals.

• Prevent children from putting fingers in their mouths
• Do not take toys and dummies into animal areas
• Clean dropped items before giving them back
• Supervise children while they are washing their hands

People at higher risk

Certain groups of people are more susceptible to infection and severe complications. These include:

• young children
• pregnant women
• older people
• people with weakened immune systems.

These people and their carers should consider the risks before interacting with animals. They will need to be especially careful with personal hygiene.