Lecture 3 - Petting Zoos

Question 1

What are the common pathogens transmitted in petting zoos and at what rate?

Answer 1

Campylobacter - 17%
Cryptococcus - 16%
Salmonella - 11%
Escherichia coli - 6%

Question 2

How are pathogens transmitted (mode) in petting zoos?

Answer 2

Infection can be due to both direct and indirect transmission because the bacteria can survive in the environment for an extended period of time

Question 3

What economic and management factors contribute to the spread or human acquisition of pathogens associated with petting zoos?

Answer 3

temporarity of the petting zoo, design, handwashing, staff supervision, co-mingling, veterinary care, feed/water, source of animals, travel, manure management, cleaning in general

Question 4

What social factors contribute to the spread or human acquisition of pathogens associated with petting zoos?

Answer 4

Time of the year, families (immunocompromised youngins), lack of knowledge, travel between multiple areas

Question 5

What age factors contribute to the spread or human acquisition of pathogens associated with petting zoos?

Answer 5

Immunocompromised young children

Question 6

What animal determinants/factors contribute to the spread or human acquisition of pathogens associated with petting zoos?

Answer 6

types of anmals, sub-clinically ill, pathogens spread by ruminants, goats, and poultry, heat stress, overcrowding, vaccine history

Question 7

Why shouldn’t some species be in a petting zoo?

Answer 7

not properly trained and could injure, could carry a pathogen that is part of their normal flora but can cause disease in humans, not suitable for children to be handling

Question 8

What are some recommendations for animal exhibits to protect human and animal health?

Answer 8

• General animal health program
• Preventing food and beverages inside
• Preventing strollers
• Preventing exotic diseases
• Hand washing stations
• Education signage
• Appropriate barriers
• testing
• design
• feed
• supervision
• indoor management