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Reducing the risk of gastroenteritis at open/ farms, petting zoos and animal exhibits-poster

Summary

Many animals carry germs in their bowels which have the potential to cause human disease, yet few animals show signs of illness. The animals and their environment may be contaminated with these germs. Germs may be taken in by mouth by putting the fingers to the mouth after touching animals, enclosures or equipment, or by eating, drinking or smoking with soiled hands. Most germs then take several days to multiply and cause symptoms of gastroenteritis such as diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

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Owner:
Epidemiology and Surveillance,
Communicable Disease - Prevention and Control,
Chief Health Officer and Health Protection,
Wellbeing, Integrated Care and Ageing,
Department of Health
50 Lonsdale Street,
Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Telephone: (61 3) 9096 9000