Published by Ontario Veterinary College (519) 824-4120, Ext. 54401

June 22, 2007

Research on zoonoses making headlines

OVC researchers have been in the spotlight recently for their work on zoonoses and the risks of infection on farms, in clinics, and from companion animals in our homes.

The latest study on the risks associated with petting zoos has piqued interest nationally and even in the New York Times and on the BBC.

People visiting petting zoos may be meeting critters other than the typical rabbits, sheep and goats. They may also encounter pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella because few people wash their hands after a visit or take other precautions to protect themselves from zoonotic agents, according to a new study.

“Petting zoos can be an excellent educational and social event, but there are potential health risks that are not always being properly addressed,” said Dr. Scott Weese, Clinical Studies, who recently headed the most comprehensive study to date on the practices of petting zoos in Ontario.

“They pose risk of exposure to pathogens that can jump from animals to humans," he said. "These organisms can make their way into a human visitor's mouth and then cause serious illness.”

The research is scheduled to be published in the July 1 edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases and is available now online.