The furry and feathered animals that are such a draw for children visiting petting zoos are also a source of pathogens, but few people take precautions to protect themselves, Canadian researchers say.

Researchers at the University of Guelph examined practices at 36 petting zoos in Ontario between May 2006 and October 2006, and found hygiene problems that could put people at risk of infections such as E. coli and salmonella.

The animals pose a potential risk of pathogens that can jump to humans, enter our mouths, and cause serious illness.

About 70 per cent of visitors failed to disinfect their hands before leaving; food and drink were spotted near animals 82 per cent of the time; and children were allowed to drink bottles or suck pacifiers in the petting area at more than half of zoos.

Poor handwashing is a concern because hands are the most likely route of transmission for infectious agents. Handwashing is the best protection people can take, said clinical studies Prof. Scott Weese of Guelph.

Taking bottles and pacifiers into petting zoos should be avoided because babies are at higher risk of acquiring certain diseases from animals, Weese said.

The risk could be reduced by placing handwashing stations at zoo exits, posting signs to promote hygiene, and educating people about the risks of bringing food, beverages, or other items that may end up in a child's mouth, into the zoo, the researchers said.

The study will be published in the July 1 issue of the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.