Easter farm visits prompt health warning from UKHSA

With the Easter holidays upon us and farm visits high on many families’ spring agendas, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging the public to take simple hygiene precautions to avoid unpleasant bugs that could ruin the fun.

Cryptosporidium and E.coli infections typically rise at this time of year, often linked to outdoor activities like visiting farms. Last year alone, UKHSA investigated 16 outbreaks of cryptosporidium nationally tied to farm visits, resulting in hundreds of infections.

Professor Dominic Mellon, Deputy Regional Director for UKHSA South West, said:

“In the South West, we are lucky to have many beautiful farms that people can visit. 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.

“Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after you have had contact with animals and before eating food will reduce the risk of infection. Do not use gels or wipes instead of soap and water – they do not remove bugs in dirt.”

Infections can be picked up from animal fur, faeces, or any surfaces they’ve touched. While germs are invisible, the risks are very real – especially for children and pregnant women. UKHSA advises that boots, shoes and even pushchair wheels should be cleaned after farm visits, and hands should be washed thoroughly before eating.

Annabel Shackleton of Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) added:

“Visiting a farm is not only a fantastic experience, it’s educational too. But straight after touching animals and pens or fencing, everyone must wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean running water, and dry them. Adults should always supervise children to ensure that they wash their hands properly.”

Top tips for staying safe at farms:

• Wash hands with soap and water after touching animals or surfaces

• Supervise children closely when near animals or handwashing

• Only eat in designated picnic or café areas

• Avoid gels and wipes – they do not remove all germs

• Clean boots, shoes and pram wheels before leaving

If you feel unwell with diarrhoea or sickness after visiting a farm, contact your GP or call NHS 111. If symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, seek emergency care.