2 weeks Ago
As temperatures rise, there is usually an increase in gastrointestinal infections, including cryptosporidium and E.coli, often linked with outdoor activities such as trips to the farm. Last year alone, UKHSA investigated 16 outbreaks of cryptosporidium nationally connected to farm visits, resulting in hundreds of infections.
Professor Dominic Mellon, deputy regional director 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 carries a small risk of catching infections from animals or the environment." He emphasised the importance of washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after contact with animals and before eating.
Annabel Shackleton, open farm Sunday manager at Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), said: "Visiting a farm is not only a fantastic experience, it’s educational too. "We want people to continue to safely visit farms and the countryside." She advised that everyone should wash their hands immediately after contact with animals or pens.
Adults should supervise children to ensure proper hand washing, especially before eating..
