Greg Cima provides a call to action for veterinarians working with clients whose operations or activities include sharing live animals in public settings. Pathogens are an occupational hazard in animal agriculture. Zoonotic risks are inherent in public venues and interactions.
Animal shedding of E coli O157:H7 and Salmonella organisms is highest in the summer and fall, when traveling animal exhibits, agricultural fairs, and farm or petting zoo visits are commonly scheduled.”
Source: JAVMA, September 29, 2021. Link. Veterinarians are key to reducing transmission in public settings, especially as people find new ways and venues to interact with animals.
Megan Nichols, DVM, recommends that veterinarians advise clients how to minimize contamination in areas people will visit, help them plan how people will wash their hands after contact with animals and dispel mistaken beliefs that seemingly healthy animals are free of zoonotic pathogens.