UTAH AGRITOURISM: OPERATOR ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS TOWARD ZOONOTIC DISEASE
Zesiger, C.1; Kerry Rood2; David Wilson3; Andree Walker-Bravo,4; Dean Miner5; Katelyn Hepworth6; Dallin Peterson7; Kenneth Davis8; Melanie Stock91Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension, Ogden, UT, 84401
2Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension, Logan, UT, 84322
3Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension, Logan, UT, 84322
4Urban Director, Utah State University Extension, Salt Lake Utah, UT, 84190
5Extension Professor, Utah State University Extension, Orem, UT, 84097
6Extension Educator, Utah State University Extension, Orem, UT, 84097
7Epidemiologist, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Salt Lake City, UT, 84190
8Epidemiologist, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, 84190
9Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension, Logan, UT, 84322
Abstract:
The risk of contracting a zoonotic disease increases at agritourism events that feature animals. Utah experienced a rise in human infections of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli that was linked with petting zoos in 2018. Utah State University Extension, in collaboration with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Foods and Utah Public Health, conducted an online survey to assess factors influencing transmission, biosecurity interventions, and whether education and outreach were needed amongst agritourism operators. Respondents (n=31) represented 14 counties across Utah and Idaho. Agritourism visitation was the greatest October-December. 74% of operations allowed direct animal contact and 35% allowed eating in animal areas. Most (68%) gave verbal instructions about disease and hand washing, but only 35% had written instruction (e.g. signage). 74% had washing stations and/or sanitizer present. Respondents preferred online and printed materials over other educational experiences (in-person workshops and others). Agritourism is a new and critical demographic for USU Extension to reach.