Handwashing Stations Support Safe Animal Encounters

Petting zoos, aquariums, and fairs offer individuals of all ages exciting chance to engage with animals up close. This provides an opportunity to gain knowledge about animals, but it also poses a risk of illness from these creatures. Even healthy animals can harbor germs that may cause sickness in humans, such as E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and Salmonella. In addition to the risk of getting sick from animals, humans with unclean hands that touch animals can harm or poison animals as well. It is essential, for the safety of both animals and humans, that there is handwashing stations available.

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How do people get sick from petting zoos and aquariums?

People can become ill from animals by ingesting the animal's germs. Once germs are on your hands, they can inadvertently enter your mouth during activities like eating, drinking, or other hand-to-mouth actions such as smoking or thumb sucking. Baby animals are particularly prone to carrying these germs since they have not yet developed immunity.

Numerous diseases can be transmitted between animals and humans. These illnesses are caused by harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. These pathogens can lead to a variety of illnesses in both people and animals, from mild to severe conditions and even death. Animals may often seem healthy despite harboring germs that can infect humans.

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Handwashing stations are essential to protecting both humans and animals 

Any business offering human - animal interactions should take steps to reduce the risk of zoonotic infections developing in humans AND the exposure of animals to human borne infections. Washing hands before contact is especially important when dealing with invertebrates, as they are particularly vulnerable to nicotine poisoning. Washing hands after interacting with reptiles and amphibians is essential due to the risk of salmonella or toxin exposure. Ideally, hand washing should be performed both before and after any animal visitor interactions, regardless of the species involved.

Are hand sanitizers a good alternative to handwashing stations?

Alcohol-based sanitizers are a convenient and effective tool for reducing the number of germs on your hands, however, it is important to note that these sanitizers cannot eliminate all types of harmful pathogens. Moreover, in situations such as stingray enclosures, placing hands treated with hand sanitizers into the water can introduce harmful chemicals. Thus, depending only on alcohol-based sanitizers is inadequate for safeguarding humans from all possible infections and poses a threat to animals. For thorough hygiene and to completely eliminate the risk of zoonotic disease spread, comprehensive handwashing with soap and water is essential. 

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Smixin Mobile Handwashing Stations are perfect for animal experiences

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The Smixin Pro Mobile is excellent for providing a consistent hand wash before and after interacting with animals. This station efficient and effective hand washing practices, as well as automatic paper towel dispensing, a built-in trash receptacle, and is configured for a mobility, allowing the station to be moved to wherever best fits the businesses's needs. The Smixin Pro Mobile uses a Smart Mixing Unit to dispense emulsified soap and water in one simple step. An important aspect of the Smixin Pro Mobile is its design focused on conserving water. Smixin units significantly contribute to your conservation and sustainability goals by using up to 90% less water compared to conventional handwashing sinks. The Smixin Pro Mobile can elevate handwashing procedures in petting zoos, aquariums, and fairs which can protect your guests and the animals themselves. 

Learn more about the Smixin Pro here!

Topics:Smixin