Don’t kiss that frog!

I’ve always tried to steer my children away from petting zoos that are at carnivals and other events. In my mind, the only place germier than a petting zoo is the pediatrician’s waiting room.

Now there’s more evidence that it’s wise to avoid contact with animals that aren’t the family pet: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says that contact with reptiles and birds causes about 74,000 cases of salmonella infection a year. Children are especially prone because they like to “kiss” a frog, or pet a snake or bird and then put their hands in their mouths before washing.

But even frogs, snakes and turtles who are pets can pose a threat:  HHS points out that some people clean aquariums at the kitchen sink and contaminate the food-prep areas. Eek!