29 March 2024 , 13:21
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The government has issued a health warning to families planning days out to farms and petting zoos over Easter.
Children who stroke and pet lambs and other animals are at risk of serious health problems unless they take precautions, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Visits to farms and petting zoos over the Easter break are linked to a spike in gastro-intestinal infections, the agency warned.
Families are being warned to take extra precautions for avoid becoming unwell with the infections that can cause diarrhoea and stomach pains, and in serious cases result in severe illness.
People visiting farms in two ways, the UKSHA South West warned in a statement yesterday. Firstly by touching animals while petting or feeding them, and secondly by coming into contact with animal droppings on contaminated surfaces around the farm.
It only takes a small number of the bacteria to make you sick and visitors should wash their hands and avoid putting fingers near their mouths hands and faces until they have had a chance to wash them. Children should be supervised when washing their hands as they are at more risk of serious illness, the UKHSA said.
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Children and pregnant women are especially at risk, the agency warned (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)“Visiting a farm is a really fun day out which is an enjoyable and educational experience for many people, particularly children, said Sarah Bird, Consultant in Health Protection for UKHSA South West. “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.”
The agency has published a list of rules to follow when visiting farms - pregnant women need to take particular care as infections acquired from animals can be harmful to them and their unborn child.
- Do wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have touched animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas.
- 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.
- If you are planning a school or group visit to a farm, you also need to make sure that you’ve considered all the risks and taken steps to manage them. Guidance is available to help schools and teachers do this.
Contact your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible if you have any symptoms such as sickness or diarrhoea or you feel unwell within two weeks of visiting a farm.