Not surprisingly public health investigators from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services have determined that the petting zoo at the Cleveland County Fair was the initial source of exposure to E. coli that resulted in 106 illnesses and one death. According to results presented today in Shelby, weather may be one of the factors that played a role in widespread contamination of the area surrounding the petting zoo exhibit.

The Cleveland County investigation, which began October 8, involved a case control study of those who became ill as well as an additional 160 individuals who attended the fair but did not become ill. Local health department personnel in Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, Rutherford and Union counties conducted 266 extensive interviews in the weeks following the outbreak.

In addition to the case control study, analysis by the State Laboratory of Public Health and United States Department of Agriculture confirmed two specific strains of E. coli in cases from the outbreak that were matched to environmental samples taken from the fairgrounds. Investigators noted that heavy rains during the run of the fair, from September 29 through October 8, resulted in runoff that may have spread contamination from the petting zoo into nearby areas.

After decades of outbreaks, the CDC and a collection of state veterinarians have issued these stern warnings and suggestions about animal exhibits and petting zoos:

– Wash hands after contact with animals to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.

– Do not allow food, drink, or pacifiers in animal areas.

– Include transition areas between animal areas and non-animal areas.

– Educate visitors about disease risk and prevention procedures.

– Properly care for and manage animals.

But, if history is any guide, guidelines are not working very well.  Here is a sample of zoonotic outbreaks over the last decade:
Continue Reading Cleveland Fair Petting Zoo Vector for E. coli Outbreak