Intestinal Illness Acquired From Animals

Animals are the source of several important intestinal pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7, Cryptosporidium parvum, Campylobacter, and Salmonella.

People usually get intestinal illnesses (foodborne illnesses like E. coli O157:H7, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium) from food and water. But, you can also get any of these from contact with animals or their environments.

In recent years, intestinal diseases associated with places where the public has contact with farm animals (e.g., petting zoos, state or county fairs, educational farms) have been identified with increasing frequency. Minnesota is no exception to this trend.

• Common Intestinal Illnesses Associated with Animal Contact
  Commonly recognized illnesses associated with animal contact.
  
  
• Preventing Illness Associated with Animal Contact
  Basic illness prevention techniques can keep you and your family from becoming ill.
  
  
• Keeping Backyard Poultry
  An increasing number of people around the country are choosing to keep poultry, such as chickens or ducks, as part of a greener, healthier lifestyle. While you enjoy the benefits of backyard chickens and other poultry, it is important to consider the risk of illnesses, especially in children, that can result from handling live poultry or anything in the area where they are kept.
  
  
• Staying Safe at Petting Zoos and Fairs
  From mid-June to Labor Day is fair season in Minnesota. Each year, fairs across the state provide opportunities to eat deep fried delicacies and interact with livestock and poultry. But these interactions aren’t without risk -- animals can carry germs that can make people sick. The risk can be minimized with careful handwashing and taking a few simple precautions.
  • Petting Zoo Best Practices Checklist (PDF)
  • Safer Farm Animal Contact Exhibits (Safer FACEs)
    The Safer Farm Animal Contact Exhibits (Safer FACEs) training program can help you understand the risks of illness and injury from farm animals, and how to protect your visitors. Complete this free online training and the Minnesota Department of Health will provide certification that your venue has learned about these issues.
    
    
• Health Care Provider Information about Animal Contact Illnesses
  Clinical and required reporting information.
  
  
• Information for Animal Venue Operators
  Recommendations, consultation information, and free educational posters.
  
  
• Print Materials
  Signs, posters and other materials that you can print and use.