With County Fair season around the corner, Clatsop County Public Health, Clatsop County Fair & Expo and 4-H are teaming up to encourage parents to make sure their children properly wash their hands after petting animals.

“The joyful interaction between animals and children is a wonderful and lasting experience. Animal exhibits are great ways for kids to meet, safely touch and learn about animals. But contact with animals also poses health risks, too,” said Jiancheng Huang, Clatsop County public health director.

“We want to ensure that children and their parents bring home fond memories but not germs. Hand washing is the most important measure to help prevent people from getting or spreading germs after visiting petting zoos,” he said.

4-H is working with Clatsop County Fair & Expo and presenters to set up many handwashing stations in and around the pet exhibits. “We encourage parents to make sure their kids get proper handwashing after having fun with the animals,” said Sandra Carlson, 4-H coordinator.

Clatsop County Public Health offers hand-washing tips: 

Clatsop County Fair and Expo Jason Brim, Interim Fair Manager 92937 Walluski Loop Astoria, OR 97103 Phone: (503) 325-4600 Fax: (503) 325-5658 Email: fair [at] co.clatsop.or.us Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm ***Use main entrance (Gate 3) and follow signs to office.***