A survey carried out for National Food Safety Week this week, by the Food and Drink Federation, (FDF), highlights the need for pet owners to take adequate measures after handling and cleaning up after their pets. It reveals that 17% of children rarely or never wash their hands after handling their pets, with only 32% saying they always wash.

The survey also found that less than three out of ten (28%) of children always wash their hands before eating food (and just over half of adults do – 53%). It also says that only half (50%) of children wash their hands before preparing food, and just over three quarters (79%) of adults always do.

With increasing numbers of us keeping exotic pets, reptiles and birds, pet owners need to be particularly aware of the risks to health by the transfer of disease - Salmonella in particular, from animal to human.

There are also risks with the handling of pet food. Few parents would allow their children to eat raw eggs or put their hands in their mouths after handling raw chicken, yet giving meat-based chews to your cat or dog is like preparing a chicken for your family meal. You are handling potentially dangerous food and should take the normal food hygiene precautions.

Considering the propensity of our children to 'forget' to wash their hands, they must be closely supervised when they are with pets.

Guidance for the handling of reptiles:
(You can apply the principles to most pet handling situations).

After handling any reptile, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, (for at least 30 seconds).

Disinfectant should be used if there are no hand-washing facilities available.

Avoid touching your face, mouth or food after handling reptiles.

Keep reptiles out of kitchens & away from eating areas.

Do not use kitchen sinks to clean reptile accessories or cages.

Do not touch food or utensils after handling reptiles or accessories.

Keep reptile enclosures as clean as possible using disinfectants (rinse thoroughly afterwards).

Do not handle reptiles or caging materials when you have open cuts or sores.

Do not use the bath or shower for cleaning accessories unless disinfected with bleach afterwards.

Submitted by: Steve O'Malley      

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