Animal Contact in Public Settings

Zoonotic pathogens associated with animals can be transmitted by direct or indirect animal contact in a variety of public and private settings. Pets (including non-traditional pets such as rodents, backyard poultry, and reptiles), agricultural species, and feeder animals can all spread disease-causing organisms to people.

There are many types of diseases, injuries, and other health risks that can be associated with contact with animals in public settings such as fairs, schools, petting zoos, photo opportunities, farm tours, etc. Disease exposures can also occur in the home or in various parts of the pet industry.

Appropriate precautions can reduce these risks while still allowing persons the benefits of owning, seeing, and interacting with animals.

• Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2023 (PDF) - National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Animal Contact Compendium Committee 2023
• Animals in Public Settings Toolkit (nasphv.org) - Educational resources for the implementation of the principles outlined in the Animal Contact in Public Settings Compendium; National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians
• A Compendium of Measures to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases Associated with Non-Traditional Pets Such as Rodents and Other Small Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Backyard Poultry, and Other Selected Animals (nasphv.org) (PDF)
• Considerations and Information for Fair Organizers to Help Prevent Influenza (cdc.gov)
• Considerations and Information for Fair Exhibitors to Help Prevent Influenza (cdc.gov)