Zoonotic Fecal Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Canadian Petting Zoos.

Cheyenne Conrad,Cassandra Jokinen,Kim Stanford,Tim Mcallister,Lisa Tymensen,Norman Neumann,Claudia Narvaez-Bravo,Krysty Munns

doi:10.3390/microorganisms6030070

Cheyenne Conrad, Cassandra Jokinen + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms6030070

Copy DOI

Abstract

This study aimed to better understand the potential public health risk associated with zoonotic pathogens in agricultural fairs and petting zoos in Canada. Prevalence of Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7, and top six non-O157 STEC serogroups in feces (n = 88), hide/feather (n = 36), and hand rail samples (n = 46) was assessed, as well as distributions of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) broad and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pig nasal swabs (n = 4), and Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia in feces was also assessed. Neither Salmonella nor MRSA were detected. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 32% of fecal samples. Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected in 2% and 15% of fecal samples, respectively. Only one fecal sample was positive for STEC O157, whereas 22% were positive for non-O157 STEC. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) to antibiotics classified as critically and highly important in human medicine was proportionally greatest in E. coli from cattle feces. The β-lactamase-producing E. coli from pig, horse/donkey feces, and hand rail samples, as well as the STEC E. coli from handrail swabs were MDR. The diversity and prevalence of zoonotic pathogens and AMR bacteria detected within agricultural fairs and petting zoos emphasize the importance of hygienic practices and sanitization with respect to reducing associated zoonotic risks.

Highlights

Agricultural fairs and petting zoos provide the public with the opportunity to interact and learn about farm animals
Studies have shown that petting zoo visitors frequently engage in practices that promote the transmission of pathogens such as touching their face after animal contact, letting animals lick their hands, or eating and drinking within animal enclosures [7]
Our results suggest that E. coli from phylogroups A, B1, and E are the most common in petting zoo animals and their environments

Summary

Introduction

Agricultural fairs and petting zoos provide the public with the opportunity to interact and learn about farm animals. Farm animals present a risk for transmission of zoonotic pathogens [1]. It has been estimated that 14% of all illnesses caused by these pathogens arises from direct animal contact [3]. Humans can become infected with zoonotic pathogens by hand-to-mouth ingestion of animal feces or through direct contact with animals or contaminated surfaces [2,4]. Studies have shown that petting zoo visitors frequently engage in practices that promote the transmission of pathogens such as touching their face after animal contact, letting animals lick their hands, or eating and drinking within animal enclosures [7]. Several studies have found that hand-washing compliance by visitors is often poor ranging from 0% to 77% [1,7,8]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion