It’s the time of year when we all want to go and play with the cute little baby animals. Angie White, Bear River Health Department disease investigator, reminds us about the importance of proper handwashing and good hygiene after we have spent time handling animals. Remember, hand sanitizer doesn’t kill every germ, especially some spread through touching animals.

Wash Hands When Leaving Animal Exhibits:

  • Find where the handwashing stations are located.
  • Wash your hands right after touching animals or anything in the areas where they live, roam, or eat.
  • Wash your hands when you leave animal areas, even if you didn’t touch the animals or if you wore gloves.
  • Running water and soap are best, but if they are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and wash your hands with soap and running water as soon as you can.

Keep Food and Animals Separate:

  • Don’t eat or drink around animals. Keep food and drinks away from animal areas.
  • Don’t share your food with the animals, even if you think the food is part of the animal’s regular diet. Animals should eat the food provided for them by the animal exhibit.
  • Don’t eat or drink raw (unpasteurized) products. Raw products made or sold at animal exhibits may include milk, cheese, cider, or juice.