If your agritourism operation includes animals, or if you’re considering adding them, the Zoonotic Diseases Unit (ZDU) at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is a vital resource. They can help you offer safe, healthy, and successful experiences for your visitors, animals, and your farm.
I recently spoke with friend and colleague Carrie Klumb, MPH, Senior Epidemiologist at MDH, to learn more about how her team supports agritourism operators across Minnesota.
The first thing Carrie wants you to know? “Let’s talk now so that I don’t end up calling you about an outbreak investigation later.”
The ZDU team does not regulate agritourism venues. They won’t shut you down if your signage isn’t perfect or your handwashing station needs work. Instead, the ZDU offers free workshops, online training, resources, and consultations to help you plan proactively and avoid issues down the road.
Whether you’re just now considering adding animals to your operation or you’ve had animals for years, Carrie and her team are ready to help with disease prevention guidance at any stage of your agritourism journey, as well as offer free consultations on how to design or improve your setup before the season starts.
The Zoonotic Disease unit comprises two veterinarians, three epidemiologists, and one certified infection preventionist veterinary technician. They are a robust team of public health experts who understand both agriculture and human health.
They recommend following national best practices developed by a team of experts, as these are the standards that will be used if a health issue arises. By aligning your practices with these guidelines, you’re protecting your farm and demonstrating to guests that you take their health seriously.
Safe agritourism is good business, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Zoonotic Diseases Unit at MDH is a committed partner in supporting agritourism across Minnesota.
Want to connect with their team? Email them at [email protected].
They welcome questions at any stage of your operation: before setup, during the season, or if a health concern arises.
Helpful resources
- Agritourism Safety Checklist
- Health and Safety Resources for Agritourism
- Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease in Public Animal Settings
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