Animals in Schools and Daycare Settings

"Animals can be entertaining and educational. However, people, especially children, can get sick from contact with animals. The good news: You can help prevent illnesses from animals.

Children can learn a lot from animals, and it’s important to make sure they stay safe and healthy while they’re learning. People can get sick when they forget to wash their hands[698 KB] right after touching an animal or its habitat. Young children are more likely to get sick because their immune systems are still developing. They also are more likely to put their fingers or other items into their mouths, which can cause them to become infected.

What types of diseases can animals spread?

Animals may carry germs like Salmonella and E. coli O157 on their bodies and in their droppings, even when they appear clean and healthy. The germs can spread to cages, bedding, and wherever animals roam. Disease outbreaks also have resulted from hatching eggs and chicks in the classroom, and from contaminated animal products used for hands-on learning, such as owl pellets for dissection..."
Animals in schools