America's Healthy Summer: Petting Zoos

Aug. 20, 2010 — -- Petting zoos are a summertime favorite for families where animals like ponies and goats can bring out the big fun. But do petting zoos mean big germs?

To find out, "Good Morning America" traveled to the Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo, N.D., where we saw big tractors, tiny chicks, kids with corn dogs and families enjoying the day at Wally Zerebko's petting zoo.

But what makes the petting zoo so fun? Seven-year-old Alanna Pritchard said it best: "Because you get to pet animals."

Fairgoers get to pet sheep, goats, deer, donkeys, llamas -- even a kangaroo and a zebra. With hundreds of hands reaching out, what kinds of germs can be picked up?

With the help of North Dakota State University, "GMA" tested 12 areas of the petting zoo. A lab student swabbed railings, feed dispensers and kids' hands. Even JJ, the resident camel, got in on the action with a swab to the mouth.

"There have been some E. coli outbreaks associated with petting zoos," said Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D, a food and nutrition specialist at North Dakota State University.

Garden-Robinson said petting zoos are generally safe places, but some groups -- like the elderly and young children -- could be more vulnerable to the bacteria frequently found at them.

"Be sure that young children don't bring their sippy cups or their pacifiers into the petting zoo, because you don't want them to share their sippy cups with the animals," Garden-Robinson said. "Because that could certainly introduce contamination, and they could become ill."

Petting zoos themselves have the power to prevent many outbreaks. Every state has its own rules and regulations for the number of animal vaccines needed, for example.

Wally Zerebko, owner of Zerebko Zoo-Tran, said he spent close to $2,000 to make sure his animals were up to date with North Dakota's standards. And he said he cleans and cleans every morning.

"We bleach wash all the bars with orange cleaner and bleach. Just to get rid of any chance of any E. coli or germs," Zerebko said.