More than 80 people come forward 'after falling ill at farm'

27 May 2024 , 12:48

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Sophie Enright complained of being ill after her trip to the farm (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)

Dozens of families have claimed they fell ill with a parasitic infection after visiting a popular petting farm - with some of them left hospitalised.

More than 80 people said they endured serious gastric illnesses after following trips to Gannow Farm, in Worcestershire, during the Easter half term. Parents and children as young as one years old suffered diarrhoea.

A large number of the infected visitors contracted cryptosporidium, which is a microscopic parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness in both humans and animals. Last month, it was revealed that 20 people had contacted public health lawyers over their ordeals.

Following the development, it has been reported that over 80 animal lovers have now come forward about their experience after their trips in March and April. The UK Health Security Agency and Wychavon District Council has also launched a probe into the farm, which has remained shut since the claims.

The family of Isaac Fryer stepped forward with complaints (Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)

Sienna-Mai Southern also visted the farm (Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)

One of the latest to feature is a teenager who took time off school and lost over a stone in weight. Sophie Enright, 14, from Hollywood, Birmingham, now fears her exam results will suffer as a consequence. She had visited the farm with her mum Emma Cleverley, 38, on April 3 and became ill with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting by April 9.

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As Sophie's condition deteriorated, Emma called a GP on April 11 and said they were told Sophie was fourth person he'd seen that day with the same symptoms after visiting the farm. Sophie was prescribed anti-sickness medication and medication to ease her stomach cramps but four days later her symptoms had not improved.

She was given a stronger dose of medication, plus nutrient shakes and co-codamol and was diagnosed with cryptosporidium following tests. Today, Sophie continues to suffer from debilitating symptoms, including stomach pains and lethargy and has lost more than a stone in weight.

Sophie got involved with cuddles at the zoo (Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)

Darcie and Sienna-Mai Southern pictured in hospital (Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)

The illness meant Sophie had to take time off school and her head of year said her exam grades might suffer as a consequence. Emma, said: "Even now I can't believe what has happened to Sophie since the farm visit back in April. She's like another girl after what has been a frightening and uncertain experience.

"Having visited the doctors, she just never seemed to improve and as the weight fell off her, we became really concerned. We thought it was just a bug that would clear up but when they said it was cryptosporidium, terrible thoughts go through your mind.

"Sophie still isn't well and she was devastated to have missed school in the run up to her mock exams and as suffered with her mental health as a result. Our focus has been on seeing Sophie make a full recovery but given all of the people who've been so ill, I think there are questions to answer."

Jatinder Paul, head of the specialist public health team at Irwin Mitchell, who is supporting the families, said: "Since being initially approached by 20 people who had fallen seriously ill following visits to Gannow Farm, it's deeply concerning that over 80 people have now come forward, all with similar stories to tell of being diagnosed with cryptosporidium following their visit.

Georgia Powell visited Gannow Farm (Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)

Sienna-Mai Southern also enjoyed cuddles at the petting facility (Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)

"Cryptosporidium is known to cause gastrointestinal illness and can be a serious condition for many vulnerable groups, including children and older people. A type of microscopic parasite, cryptosporidium can cause illness in both humans and animals alike. It's vital that people take the proper precautions to protect themselves and their families from the risk of infection.

"While welcome that the UK Health Security Agency is investigating, we're committed to supporting our clients through what has been a terrible ordeal and securing for them the answers they deserve. If during the case of our investigations any issues are identified, it's vital that lessons are learned to improve public safety."

In a Facebook post, the farm said: "We at Gannow Farm take the welfare of our visitors very seriously and for that reason we have decided to close for the remainder of the 2024 Farm Experience. This is a decision taken by the team and not by governing bodies however we are working closely with them as always. We would like to wish anyone that is poorly a speedy recovery."

Monica Charsley