How to keep your kids safe at petting zoos

A three-year-old girl has died in Victoria after contracting haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a rare but serious illness linked to infection with a type of E. coli bacteria. She developed brain damage and kidney failure after spending weeks in intensive care.

The illness can follow infection with E. coli that produces Shiga toxin. Early symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea, which may contain blood. Warning signs requiring urgent medical assessment include bloody diarrhoea, greatly reduced urination, lethargy, pallor, unexplained bruising and red-purple spots on the skin.

The toxin can damage blood vessel linings, causing circulatory and kidney problems. In severe cases, the illness can lead to kidney failure, high blood pressure, seizures and death. Hospital treatment may involve intensive care, dialysis and blood transfusions, and children are affected more often than adults.

At petting zoos, the bacteria may be carried on animal fur and wool, as well as manure, bedding, soil, feed, enclosure floors and fences. The danger arises when contaminated hands reach the mouth. Toddlers are especially difficult to protect because they often put fingers, toys, food and dummies in their mouths, and may need help washing their hands thoroughly.

Cattle, sheep and goats are recognised reservoirs for Shiga-producing E. coli. Animal contact can also expose children to other pathogens, including Salmonella and Campylobacter. The article stresses that such tragedies are rare, but says parents should take hygiene precautions when visiting petting zoos.