Petting zoos not regulated

Animals are inspected, but no agency checks on the sanitary conditions for people.

By Christopher Sherman | Sentinel Staff Writer
Orlando Sentinel
March 24, 2005

No state or federal agencies regulate the sanitary conditions people encounter at petting zoos, such as the ones where several Central Florida children may have contracted bacterial infections.

Health experts say the best defense is to keep children’s hands washed and to keep food and drinks away from the popular attractions.

Medical investigators have not concluded where several children picked up bacteria that affected their kidneys, but one of the common factors has been visits to petting zoos in recent weeks.

The state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for inspecting farm animals before they are exhibited at fairs, but they look for visibly sick animals. The bacteria animals might carry without becoming ill, such as Escherichia coli or E. coli, would likely go undetected, veterinarians said.

The state requires exhibited animals to have an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. An examination is performed by a private veterinarian and then verified by state inspectors at each exposition, but the emphasis is on illnesses that affect the animals.

“Tests are not geared toward outbreaks like this,” said Dr. Thomas Holt, state veterinarian and director of the Division of Animal Industry. “If it’s E. coli, it’s unlikely [inspectors] would pick it up or a private veterinarian would pick it up,” Holt said. “The animal would have looked perfectly healthy.”

The Florida Department of Health plays no role in inspecting or overseeing sanitary conditions for the public at petting zoos, spokesman Doc Kokol said. The agency passes on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the risk of transmission at animal exhibits, but does not enforce them.

Exhibitors of any animals other than regular livestock are licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Both of the animal attractions at this year’s Central Florida Fair were USDA licensed, but their inspection reports were not immediately available.

USDA licensing and inspections focus on animal welfare—veterinary care, shelter and feeding, USDA spokesman Darby Holliday said.

At the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, signs encourage visitors to wash their hands after touching animals. Soap and water, as well as antibacterial liquid, are provided, spokesman Richard Frohlich said.

Dr. Darryl Heard, the zoo’s veterinarian and an associate professor and service chief of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said he examines all the zoo’s animals for evidence of disease.

The animals that are part of the encounters are screened for diseases known to affect humans. It is not possible to screen for all potential disease-producing organisms, he said."Disease-producing organisms are present in all human environments, and may be found in domestic animals, as well as those displayed in zoos,” Heard said.

At Uncle Donald’s Farm in Lady Lake, staff members tell people at the beginning and end of animal encounters to make sure they wash their hands. They do not allow food or drink in the areas of animal-human interaction.

They employ a little humor to get people’s attention, too, Donna Morris said. A little scarecrow in a straw hat holds a sign that reads, “Don’t be a dope, wash with soap. Some of these critters have germs.”

Katy Miller, Robyn Shelton and Tammie Wersinger of the Sentinel staff contributed to this report.