Families are being reminded to stay safe when visiting farms and petting zoos following a rise in Cryptosporidium. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) East warns that the bug can be picked up on farms and cause a very unpleasant illness with watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever, public health.
Cases of Cryptosporidium are increasing in the East Midlands and so anyone planning a trip to a farm needs to remember the importance of thoroughly and frequently washing hands to avoid getting bugs, such as Salmonella, Cryptosporidium (Crypto) and E.coli, which can make you seriously ill. These bugs can be passed from farm animals to humans, and if you do become infected, you can also pass the bugs on to other people who could also become unwell.
Dr Samia Latif, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA East, said: "Visiting a farm is a really fun day out which is an enjoyable and educational experience for many people, particularly children. However, it’s important to remember that farm animals can be the source of several bugs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness.
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"Some can be particularly serious for children or pregnant women. Infections can be picked up from the animal’s body, its poo or from areas where animals have recently been. If the germs are on your hands, you could accidentally pass them to your mouth."
She continued: "You can’t see the germs, so your hands may appear clean. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after you have had contact with animals and before eating any food will reduce the risk of infection.
"Do not use gels or wipes instead of soap and water - gels and wipes do not remove bugs in dirt. Farms provide hand washing facilities, so we encourage people to make use of these to ensure the only thing you take away from your visit is happy memories.”
Many farms will be having open days on Sunday, 11 June, for the annual open day of farming. It is likely many families will also be planning trips to farms over the bank holiday and half term period.
Annabel Shackleton, LEAF Open Farm Sunday Manager, said: "We want people to continue to enjoy visiting farms and agricultural events safely. This means making time after touching animals, pens or fencing, to wash your hands thoroughly with liquid soap, running water and drying them with disposable towels.
"Adults should always supervise children to ensure that they wash their hands properly and grow up learning that clean hands are essential before eating! Anti bac hand gel is not a replacement for washing hands, especially not when spending time around animals.
"If a dummy drops on the ground it will need sterilising, and boots, shoes and pushchairs need to be washed down too when leaving a farm. Remember these simple things to ensure your farm visit is both enjoyable and safe.”
HSE Inspector (Agriculture Sector) Wayne Owen, added: "Farms that allow members of the public to visit as part of farm open days must control both health and safety risks and make sure that visitors are safe. Any farm that plans to allow members of the public to visit as part of farm open days should read the Industry Code of Practice and ensure that it is followed."
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