Health experts have issued a warning to anyone heading to farms this summer amid an infection outbreak. Day trips to local farms are very popular among families as children love to pet the animals.
But visitors should be careful as a number of dangerous infections can be passed from livestock to humans. UKHSA health protection teams have now issued advice on ways people can stay safe after outbreaks of Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and E. coli have already been recorded across the country this year, including in the South West.
People have been urged to thoroughly and frequently wash their hands to avoid getting bugs that can make you seriously ill. Once infected, you can also pass the bugs on to other people who can also become unwell.
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Sarah Bird, Consultant in Health Protection for UKHSA South West, 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. 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. 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.”
Annabel Shackleton, LEAF Open Farm Sunday Manager, said they still wanted people to enjoy their visits to local farms.
She 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 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.”
What to do when visiting a farm
Following the simple rules listed below will help to keep you and your children safe from infections that may be found on open farms. Pregnant women need to take particular care as infections acquired from animals can be harmful to them and their unborn baby.
- Do wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have touched animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas. Open farms should provide handwashing facilities for visitors.
- Washing your hands should take about 20 seconds – the same time that it takes to recite a single verse of “Old Macdonald Had A Farm”.
- Do wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or drinking.
- Do remove and clean boots or shoes that might have become soiled and clean pushchair wheels. Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Do supervise children closely to ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly.
- Do eat and drink in picnic areas or cafes only.
- Do not put hands on faces or fingers in mouths while petting animals or walking round the farm.
- Do not kiss farm animals or allow children to put their faces close to animals.
- Do not eat or drink while touching animals or walking round the farm. This includes not eating sweets, crisps or chewing gum.
- Do not eat anything that has fallen on the floor.
- Do not use gels or wipes instead of washing hands with soap and water. Gels and wipes do not remove bugs in dirt.
Open Farm Sunday (11 June) will see many farms open their gates to the public which might not normally do so. For more details, including which farms are open, visit: https://farmsunday.org/
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