Summer is the best time for a family outing. For those with young children, they usually include one or two petting zoos.

Although children like close contact with animals, parents should be aware that animals may carry bacteria that cause human diseases, such as Salmonella, and take necessary precautions.

Zoonotic diseases According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they are transmitted from animals to humans through the transmission of harmful bacteria such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.

In the United States, the most common zoonotic diseases include Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter, all of which can be infected through contact with animals.

“It is always good to take precautions when you are in close contact with animals, because they and their environment can spread bacteria that may make you or your family sick,” Say Dr. Douglas Kratt, President of the American Veterinary Association.

The most common method of infection is when people touch their mouth or nose after touching or feeding animals. Even if animals look healthy, they may carry germs.

Symptoms of these types of diseases usually include vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and cramps. Although most diseases are mild, some are more serious and require seeing a doctor or hospitalization.

Children 5 years and younger, people with weakened immune systems, and adults over 65 are at the highest risk.

To better protect your family this summer, please follow these simple infectious disease prevention guidelines Kraft, This CDC and Journal of the American Veterinary Association:

1. After getting along with animals for a period of time, even if you do not come into direct contact with them, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water. Supervise young children to wash their hands to ensure they wash their hands properly. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer can also work, but wash with soap and water as soon as possible.

2. Do not eat or drink in the petting zoo or any area where animals are kept.

3. Park the stroller outside the zoo area so that bacteria will not be brought home on wheels.

4. Children 5 years and younger should not come into contact with reptiles, amphibians and live poultry because they are most likely to make them sick.

5. Do not allow children to put fingers or objects (including pacifiers) in their mouths in the animal exhibits. Don’t let them sit on the ground or play on the ground.

6. Although there is almost no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted from animals to humans, there have been cases of it being transmitted from humans to pets. If you have COVID-19, please avoid contact with pets, livestock and wild animals.