FAMILIES visiting farms over the Easter holidays are being reminded to wash their hands thoroughly to avoid picking up harmful infections.
Thousands of visits take place every years across the West Midlands, providing children – and adults – with memorable and educational experiences.
However, each spring the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) sas it sees a sharp rise in reported cases of Cryptosporidium, a disease spread by animals, with cattle, sheep and goats being the main carriers.
In 2024, there were 778 reported cases of cryptosporidium in the West Midlands.
Will Proto, consultant in health protection at UKHSA West Midlands, said: “Farm animals naturally carry bugs including cryptosporidium, E.coli and salmonella, which can be passed to humans through contact with animals, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces like fences and gates. Some of these infections can be very serious, particularly for young children and pregnant women.
“Farm visits are a fun experience for families, but people have to take care to avoid nasty stomach bugs.
“Even if hands look clean, they may not be. Washing thoroughly with soap and warm water straight after touching animals, and before eating, is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your children. Hand gels and wipes won’t work – they don’t remove the bugs found in farm dirt.
“People need to be particularly careful when handling lambs, as cryptosporidium can be easily picked up from them.”
The UKHSA has issued the following advice on how to stay safe during a farm visit:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching animals, fences or surfaces in animal areas, and before eating or drinking
- Eat and drink only in designated picnic areas or cafés
- Supervise children closely to ensure they wash their hands properly
- Clean any soiled footwear and pushchair wheels before leaving, then wash your hands again
Never
- Put fingers in mouths or hands on faces while around animals
- Allow children to put their faces close to animals
- Eat, drink or chew gum while walking around the farm or touching animals
- Return a child’s dummy, comforter or toy if it has fallen on the ground, until items have been washed thoroughly
· Rely on hand gels or wipes instead of soap and water
Anyone who feels develops diarrhoea, vomiting or stomach pains within two weeks of visiting a farm, should contact their GP or call NHS 111.
