Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2005. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 54(RR04): 1-12, March 25, 2005

This report provides standardized recommendations for public health officials, veterinarians, animal venue operators, animal exhibitors, visitors to animal venues and exhibits, and others concerned with disease-control and with minimizing risks associated with animals in public settings. The recommendation to wash hands is the single most important prevention step for reducing the risk for disease transmission. Other critical recommendations are that venues include transition areas between animal areas and nonanimal areas (where food is sold) and that animals are properly cared for and managed in public settings. In addition, this report recommends educating venue operators, staff, exhibitors, and visitors regarding the risk for disease transmission where animal contact is possible. Tuberculosis (TB) is one disease of concern in certain animal settings in this report.