Wales has seen a spike in cases of diarrhoea which experts believe are linked to visits to farm attractions. Public Health Wales confirmed that the unpleasant illness has mainly been reported in young children but also affected some adults.
The cause of the illness is a tiny germ called cryptosporidium, or crypto for short, which can be caught from sheep, cows, goats - but especially lambs, calves and goat kids - and from other livestock to humans through contact with infected faeces and other body fluids. You can also catch germs from animal bedding and fencing or by stroking their fur.
Public Health Wales added that it is also possible that infection can be picked up from other contaminated surfaces in a farm park, such as bouncy castles or sand pits, as well as the wider countryside.
Dr Robert Smith from the Public Health Wales Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre said: "Animal petting and lambing events are popular with families and they are a great way to see more of the countryside and experience working life on a farm. However, it is important that everyone follows good hand hygiene advice to limit the transmission and spread of infectious diseases. Good hand washing after coming into contact with farm animals, their bedding or dirty equipment or clothing is really important in preventing infection.
"Although the number of people seriously affected by contact with farm animals is low, it is important that everyone, especially parents of younger children and pregnant women, are aware of the potential risks. Pregnant women or those with an underlying health condition including immunosuppression should avoid animal contact.
"Infection can also be passed on from animal bedding and fencing or by stroking their fur, consumption of animal food, or ingesting dirt from the environment. People are encouraged to contact their GP if they experience diarrhoea, especially bloody diarrhoea, watery diarrhoea, fever or flu-like symptoms and explain they have been in contact with a farm or with animals. GPs are encouraged to submit faecal specimens from patients who may have had animal contact and to indicate this on the request form."
Public Health Wales said several of the recent crypto cases have visited open farms just before becoming ill, where further investigations and environmental sampling are taking place.
The NHS trust has issued some simple hygiene precautions to remember:
- Check the hygiene facilities at the farm - there should be good hand washing facilities with hot running water, liquid soap and paper towels
- Hand gels are not a substitute for soap and water and will not kill many of the infections carried by animals
- Wash hands with soap and hot water immediately after touching animals, their fencing, flooring or bedding
- Throw away any food or drink which has been dropped on the ground
- Outdoor picnic tables may be contaminated with bird droppings
- Do not eat or drink while touching animals or walking round the farm
- Eat only in designated areas, and only after washing hands
- Ensure that children are closely supervised, and that they wash their hands properly
- Avoid putting fingers in mouths, biting fingernails or touching faces while petting animals or walking around the farm
- Avoid kissing farm animals and don’t allow children to put their faces close to animals
- Take particular care if pregnant, avoiding contact with farm animals and their droppings
- If possible to do so, clean contaminated footwear and pushchair wheels thoroughly before leaving the farm and wash your hands immediately afterwards
- Always read and follow the notices and signage on the farm.
