(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.