Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Concerts on the farm are now a feature in many countries, but most farm
entertainment is more easy to plan and manage.
Petting zoo or animal farm
Animals are always an attraction for children, especially young farm ani-
mals. Young children love to pet them and it starts to give children an under-
standing of what actually happens on the farm.
In recent years
E. coli
has been a scare in farm petting locations and this is
bound to be raised again in the future. It is recommended that children under
the age of
5
should not pet farm animals and that older children should scrub
and wash their hands when they leave the farm. The farm should provide
these facilities to ensure they stay within the guidelines of local regulations.
The main problem is gastroenteritis in humans due to the bacteria
Salmonella
and
Campylobacter
and the protozoan parasite
Cryptosporidium
that are car-
ried by animals. The main way humans get gastroenteritis is by handling
animals and then putting their fingers to their mouths.
This can be overcome and the farm must supply hand sanitization points
and suitable signage advising visitors to wash their hands before and after
they have petted animals. Farmers are now providing mobile petting farms
that visit schools, parties and farmers' markets. In this situation where
washing facilities may not be available, then provide a 70% alcohol-based
hand rub or gel to clean hands after handling the animals.
Signage at petting farms
Look at the movement of visitors and erect signage with public health advice
in locations where they will be seen. These include:
•
The entrance of the farm;
•
Entrances and exits of petting area; and
•
Entrances to designated eating areas.
The following should be on the sign:
•
Wash hands thoroughly after touching or visiting animals;
•
Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking;
•
Eat or drink in designated areas only;
•
Hand washing facilities are located at XXXXX.
The sign should finish on a positive note and say:
•
We hope you enjoy your visit;
•
The above advice is in the interest of your health.
Farmers should not be put off by these restrictions; children love to go to
the farm and pet animals. Nothing is as memorable as children seeing their
first lamb or stroking farm animals.
