Fair and Petting Zoo E. coli
Our Minnesota law firm represents people sickened by E. coli infections linked to fairs and petting zoos. Given the direct transmission from relatively fresh feces to human, the risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is high. We are currently representing a 3-year-old who contracted and E. coli infection at a petting zoo and then developed HUS. Read more about E. coli HUS.
The primary mode of transmission of E. coli O157:H7 at a fair or petting zoo is from the feces of an animal to the mouth of a person. Because animal fur, skin, and saliva can become contaminated with fecal germs, people can become infected when they pet, touch, or are licked by animals. Persons can also be exposed through contact with an animal’s living area, its bedding, fence rails or objects such as food and water dishes.
Note: Our law firm has also represented people sickened by food at a fair.
Minnesota Department of Health Recommends
No Calves at Fairs and Petting Zoos
- We recommend that calves not be displayed in petting zoos.
- If calves are displayed at fairs and petting zoos, children under 5 years of age should not be permitted to enter the pen with the animals.
- As demonstrated by the outbreaks associated with educational programs in Minnesota, it is extremely difficult to prevent infections in children who have close, prolonged contact with young calves.
- A detailed and comprehensive prevention plan should be created before calves are displayed at fairs or petting zoos.
Groups at High Risk for E. coli Infection at a Fair or Petting Zoo
- children under 5 years of age;
- persons with waning immunity
(e.g., older adults); - pregnant women;
- cognitively impaired persons;
- and, immunocompromised persons
(e.g., those with HIV/AIDS, who are undergoing cancer treatment, immunosuppressive steroid therapy, etc.)
Prevention of E. coli
- Golden Rule: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with any animal, animal product, or animal living area
- Supervise children under 5 years of age when with animals
- Don’t eat, drink, smoke, or allow children to carry toys or use pacifiers, sippy cups, or baby bottles in animal areas
- Don’t clean animal cages, food dishes, or water dishes in food preparation areas
- People in high risk groups should avoid contact with baby chicks, ducklings, reptiles, amphibians, calves, lambs, or goat kids. These animals are not recommended as pets in households with a person in a high risk group.
To contact a Minnesota E. coli Lawyer about an E. coli infection linked to a fair or petting zoo, call 612-338-0202, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online consultation form. You will not have to pay any money up-front, and we are not paid unless you win.
