The Jim Darcy School PTA provided a petting zoo and pony rides at the recent Helena Education Foundation carnival on Sept. 20, at Memorial Park.

Located at the exit to the petting zoo were two temporary hand-washing stations set up with potable water jugs filled with warm water, soap, paper towels and catch buckets. There was also hand sanitizer available.

The Lewis and Clark City-County Health Department would like to commend the Jim Darcy PTA for providing these facilities at the petting zoo. Unfortunately, illnesses from organisms such as E.coli 0157, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and Campylobacter have been associated with visits to petting zoos.

Most of these cases have been in children. Children pick up the bacteria on their hands by touching the animals or their cages/pens and then may become infected if they put their hands in their mouth. Children have a higher incidence of disease caused by these organisms than adults and are at higher risk for complications, even death.

Thanks to the Jim Darcy PTA the petting zoo at the HEF carnival was well equipped with the facilities necessary to aid in a safe experience for the children.

Laura Hendley, R.S.

Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Division

1930 9th Ave