Do you plan on getting baby animals for Easter or to raise for the upcoming fair season? Are you thinking of taking some spring family photos that include animals?

If so, it is important to remember that many different types of animals, including small mammals such as mice, rabbits, and rats, backyard birds such as chickens, ducks and turkeys, and various livestock animals including cows and pigs, can potentially carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

 

People can catch these diseases from animals, and unfortunately these diseases can cause people to become seriously ill.

Here are a few steps that can help you protect yourself and your family from some of the germs that animals can carry.

 

Keeping our hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick from animals and spreading germs to others. How should you wash your hands? Follow these steps: · Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap

· Lather the soap in your hands by rubbing them together, making sure to rub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails

· Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds or as long it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice

· Rinse your hands well under clean, running water

· Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

 

Here are some other important steps to remember:

· Don’t snuggle, kiss, or touch your mouth to small mammals, chicks, or ducklings

· Children under 5 years of age should avoid touching baby chicks and ducklings completely

· Don’t give live baby chicks and ducklings to young children as gifts

· Do not bring baby chicks or ducklings into schools, childcare centers, or nursing homes

· Do not keep baby chicks or ducklings inside the house where people live, eat, or sleep

· Keep animals away from areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored

· Pregnant women, immune-compromised persons, and persons with HIV/AIDS should take extra precautions when choosing and handling pets.

 

For more information on how to safely keep and interact with animals, please visit the following CDC websites:

· Farm animals: https://goo.gl/voyVy5

· Poultry: https://goo.gl/Bmi1nP

· Small mammals: https://goo.gl/siZUet