Central Florida Petting Zoo Problem

[umbluegray]

OK, it's all over the news about children becoming sick with a virus after visiting petting zoos in central Florida.

Does anybody have more detailed info about this?

I'm sure the Affection Section at Rafiki's Planet Watch in AK isn't involved, but it is disturbing. I hope they get to the bottom of it quick because my DD5 is really looking forward to petting the goats, but right now my DW is a bit paranoid.

 

[mangosink]

I too am worried about my kids petting the animals. I guess I will bring tons of antibacterial gel and wipes.

 

[danny1649]

Had write up on this problem http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

 

[philaround]

This appears to be a problem with traveling petting zoos that move from carnival to carnival. Not permanently located ones such as affection station.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I, however, would still "play it safe" and not take your kids to the one in AK. With everything to see and do at WDW, I'm sure they would hardly miss it! And if they do, I would think that a parent's regard for their child's safety would be stronger that the child's ability to manipulate her/his parent to get what they want.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I, however, would still "play it safe" and not take your kids to the one in AK. With everything to see and do at WDW, I'm sure they would hardly miss it! And if they do, I would think that a parent's regard for their child's safety would be stronger that the child's ability to manipulate her/his parent to get what they want.

If I recall correctly (and I haven't been to that area of Animal Kingdom in a long time) it's not so easy to just avoid it. I believe you have to pass by it as you exit the building on your way back to the train.

I do agree that if you don't believe it's in your child's best interest, then you'll have to figure out a way to explain it to them up front.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

If I recall correctly (and I haven't been to that area of Animal Kingdom in a long time) it's not so easy to just avoid it. I believe you have to pass by it as you exit the building on your way back to the train.

I do agree that if you don't believe it's in your child's best interest, then you'll have to figure out a way to explain it to them up front.

It's in the very back, outside of Conservation Station. If you don't walk out into the petting zoo area and stay inside of the building, where all of the other attractions/exhibits are, they'd never know the difference.

 

[Harambe]

Or don't even take the train out to Rafiki's. I agree that there is plenty of other things to do at AK, so this shouldn't even be an issue if Mom or Dad is nervous about the virus.

Can't help feeling bad for the "carny" animals. Their lives suck - so unnatural for them.

 

[Elbow642]

we have those traveling goats at our state fair too.
I always feel so sorry for the poor things, what a life, huh?

 

[C.Ann]

Didn't this occur at a county fair? We had a similar incident in upstate NY a few years back.. Turns out the water was contaminated and those who drank water or had ice in the beverages were the ones who became seriously ill and/or died.. I felt so bad for this one couple.. They took their 2 young daughters to the fair and when ordering their meals requested water rather than soda, thinking they were being good parents and avoiding the sugar highs.. One DD died and the other has permanent physical damage..

I wouldn't avoid the petting zoo at AK.. Just follow normal cleanliness procedures and maybe skip the ice and/or water in that particular area of the park..

 

[pezpam]

Didn't this occur at a county fair? We had a similar incident in upstate NY a few years back.. Turns out the water was contaminated and those who drank water or had ice in the beverages were the ones who became seriously ill and/or died.. I felt so bad for this one couple.. They took their 2 young daughters to the fair and when ordering their meals requested water rather than soda, thinking they were being good parents and avoiding the sugar highs.. One DD died and the other has permanent physical damage..

I wouldn't avoid the petting zoo at AK.. Just follow normal cleanliness procedures and maybe skip the ice and/or water in that particular area of the park..

I'm for being cautious, but not avoiding things entirely. The article someone quoted above says that "most" of the children went to the petting zoo areas.... which means there are some sick kids who did not pet the animals.

When I was a kid, I went to the hospital and the docs almost took out my appendix. Mom started talking to some other parents at the hospital and they realized that we had all been ot the same traveling carnival - turned out we all had food poisoning, probably from a food cart we'd all eaten at. We were miserable, but we did all live. If I skipped the food and drink carts at WDW because of that experience, I think that'd be overkill.

Any place people gather is going to be a germ and bacteria farm. Places like WDW that attract large numbers of kids are probably worse. Caution and common sense are in order, but we can't wrap ourselves in bubbles.

 

[krystyana]

As long as you take precautions and watch children closely in petting zoos there should be no issues....if i remember correctly there is an area to wash your hands after petting the animals, or just carry antibacterial stuff. As long as the kids can follow the directions not to touch their eyes or mouths until they've washed their hands they should be in good shape. I'm all for being cautious but there are soooo many potentials for illness out there if you avoided them all you'd never go anywhere. Frequent handwashing is generally your best protection.

 

[SueM in MN]

I just wanted to point out that the "Affection Section" at AK has always had handwashing stations readily available.
These are for use when going in, so that children's hands are clean and they don't bring in germs that could make the animals sick.
They are also for leaving, so that if the guests picked up anything, they can wash it off their hands before leaving the area.
After washing and drying hands, alcohol handrub could be used to disinfect the hands.

 

[eeyore45]

Realize too, that young children apt to put their hands in their mouths, or their sippy kups, or their pacifiers... that's what makes me cringe... When you are in an animal habitat, petting zoo, please, put away all mouth toys... then when you exit, do wash.

Again, the reports here described kids that had problems were due to pacifiers that fell in this environment, and the kids just plop them after dusting off... Also realize (and I truly am not a germaphopic, I went to Rafiki, and we'll go again!!) that there are so many that dont wash their hands, and then touch things, you touch, handles, trains...

 

[CleveRocks]

I'm for being cautious, but not avoiding things entirely.

Any place people gather is going to be a germ and bacteria farm. Places like WDW that attract large numbers of kids are probably worse. Caution and common sense are in order, but we can't wrap ourselves in bubbles.

I couldn't have said it better myself (but I wish I could!), so I'm reprinting what you said, Pezpam. Excellent thought.

--Eric

 

[Aquagirl]

I believe that the new stated that the problem was with E-Coli. Make sure your kids wash thoroughly after touching the animals and make sure that they don't put their hands in their mouth or eyes. The e-coli comes from the animals waste and if it is on their fur and the kids touch it and put their hands in their mouth, eyes, etc. they can become ill. I teach education programs about animals to young children and that is the first thing that we have children do after touching the animals. If your kids touch any reptiles have them sanitize their hands as well. Animal Kingdom's animal areas are extremely clean and the animals are clean and well taken care of. I wouldn't worry as much about them as other petting zoos or animals on a farm.

 

[Alice Sr.]

I believe that the new stated that the problem was with E-Coli. Make sure your kids wash thoroughly after touching the animals and make sure that they don't put their hands in their mouth or eyes. The e-coli comes from the animals waste and if it is on their fur and the kids touch it and put their hands in their mouth, eyes, etc. they can become ill. I teach education programs about animals to young children and that is the first thing that we have children do after touching the animals. If your kids touch any reptiles have them sanitize their hands as well. Animal Kingdom's animal areas are extremely clean and the animals are clean and well taken care of. I wouldn't worry as much about them as other petting zoos or animals on a farm.

I agree with Aquagirl, after touching any animal you should wash before touching your eyes or anything that will go in your mouth. If you are still concerned in any way obviously avoid it.

 

[disneymom71]

I, however, would still "play it safe" and not take your kids to the one in AK. With everything to see and do at WDW, I'm sure they would hardly miss it! And if they do, I would think that a parent's regard for their child's safety would be stronger that the child's ability to manipulate her/his parent to get what they want.

100% with you!!!