Every April, Public Health England (PHE) sees an annual rise in cases of a diarrhoeal illness caused by a bug called cryptosporidium.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can be found in soil, water, food or on any surface that has been contaminated with human or animal faeces.
Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis but it is most common in children aged between one and five. The peak in cases in the spring is partly associated with children handling animals and feeding lambs at petting farms and not washing their hands properly afterwards.
To help avoid unnecessary illness PHE is reminding everyone visiting farms to wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water after they have handled animals and before eating or drinking.
Between January and May 2013 there were eleven outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis associated with petting farms across England affecting around 150 people. Over the past 20 years, an average of around 80 cases of cryptosporidium infection linked to visits to petting farms have been reported to PHE each year.
The symptoms of cryptosporidiosis are typically watery diarrhoea and stomach pains. There is no specific treatment for the illness which is usually self-limiting, although it is important that anyone with the illness keeps hydrated.
Cryptosporidium is only one of a number of bugs that can be found in a farm environment that can cause illness. Others include a strain of E. coli known as Vero cytotoxin producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) and salmonella.
The seasonal increase in cases of VTEC linked to animal contact is usually between March and October. An infection with VTEC can cause a range of symptoms from mild gastrointestinal illness or in serious cases it can lead to bloody diarrhoea which can cause serious illness. Between 2010-2012 there were 40 people affected with VTEC linked to petting farms. There were no cases in 2013.
Dr Bob Adak, head of gastrointestinal diseases at PHE, said: “Around two million people visit farm attractions each year so the number of people who become ill is proportionally quite small. However, these cases of illness could be easily avoided by practicing good hand hygiene.
“Any contact with farm animals carries a risk of infection because of the microorganisms – or germs – they naturally carry which are invisible to the naked eye. People may be tempted to use hand gels and wipes during a farm visit and after touching animals but these are not suitable for removing the sort of germs found on farms and it is very important to remember not to rely on these for removing germs on the hands.
“By being aware and by doing these simple things we can help to avoid illness and enjoy a fun day out.”
Owners and managers of farm attractions are also strongly recommended to make use of the Industry Code of Practice on how to protect visitors and staff from illness, to ensure they are doing enough to comply with the law. Teachers and others who organise visits for children at farm attractions should be encouraged to read the guidance aimed at them and farms should ensure that they have adequate signage reminding visitors about the important of hand washing after touching the animals or their surfaces.
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