Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
(1) The purpose of
this rule is to protect the public from diseases transmitted to humans from
animals in public settings.
(2) The
definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context
clearly requires otherwise:
(a) "Animal
exhibitor" means a person with a valid class C certification as an exhibitor
under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131 -
2159.
(b) "Animal venue operator" means a person
furnishing a setting where public contact with animals is encouraged such as a
petting zoo, county fair, or horse or pony rides.
(c) "Immunocompromised" means having the
immune system impaired or weakened as by drugs or illness.
(d) "Person" means any individual,
corporation, company, association, society, firm, partnership, joint stock
company, or governmental agency; or the authorized agents of these
entities.
(3) Animal
venue operators shall:
(a) Provide an
accessible hand-washing station or alternative hand sanitizing method approved
by the local health officer;
(b)
Post a prominent sign in a simple and easy to understand format for visitors to
see before they enter the animal exhibit area which warns that:
(i) Animals can carry germs that can make
people sick, even animals that appear healthy;
(ii) Eating, drinking, or putting things in a
person's mouth in animal areas could cause illness;
(iii) Older adults, pregnant women,
immunocompromised people, and young children are more likely to become ill from
contact with animals;
(iv) Young
children and individuals with intellectual disabilities should be supervised in
animal exhibit areas; and
(v)
Strollers, baby bottles, pacifiers, and children's toys are not recommended in
animal exhibit areas.
(c) Post a prominent sign at each exit of the
animal exhibit area reminding visitors to wash their hands.
(4) To meet the requirements of
subsections (3)(b) and (c) of this section, animal venue operators may use
materials provided by the department and available at
www.doh.wa.gov.
(5) Animal exhibitors and other persons
legally responsible for animals in public settings shall:
(a) Observe animals daily for signs of
illness;
(b) Prevent public contact
with sick animals;
(c) As
applicable, comply with WAC
246-100-197, Rabies -- Measures
to prevent human disease;
(d) As
applicable, comply with WAC
246-100-201, Psittacosis --
Measures to prevent human disease; and
(e) Comply with, and have in their
possession, any local, state, or federally required documents allowing the
exhibition of animals in public settings.
(6) Animal venue operators, animal
exhibitors, other persons legally responsible for animals in public settings,
and veterinarians shall cooperate with local health officer investigations and
control measures for zoonotic disease.
Statutory Authority:
RCW
43.20.050 and
16.70.040(1).
11-04-017, § 246-100-192, filed 1/21/11, effective
1/1/12.