Mass events on Sunday could see people fall ill unless they take precautions, the UKHSA has warned
People planning on attending events this weekend have been warned to avoid a nasty parasitic infection that causes serious stomach upset – vomiting and diarrhoea. 190,000 people are expected to visit farms on Sunday for the UK’s Open Farm Sunday event and the UKLHSA says there is a risk of infection.
Hundreds of people have fallen ill with cryptosporidium after 17 outbreaks last year and another that saw dozens fall ill in Wales earlier this year. Crypto causes painful stomach cramps as well as vomiting and diarrhoea, and is spread through contact with animals or by touching surfaces that have animal faeces on them.
Everyone is at risk, but the bug is particularly bad for pregnant women, young people, the elderly and anyone who is already ill with a suppressed immune system. Public Health Wales say 89 people have so far fallen ill in one outbreak – linked to visiting Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan .
The BBC says Emily Fryer’s six-year-old son Isaac was hospitalised after falling ill following a visit to a farm in Worcestershire last year.
She said: “He didn’t eat or drink for about five days. He just slept all the time. His sugars were dangerously low and they admitted him. Obviously, I was really worried then. Because he is autistic and non-verbal, we didn’t really know how we could help him.”
According to the BBC, o n one farm in Wales, linked to a number of outbreaks, inspectors found sick animals kept on display and a lack of handwashing facilities, risk assessments and staff training.
Another farm failed to implement recommendations from a previous inspection, which led to another outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, while third farm, due to host a school visit a few days after inspection, was found to be failing.
Both Public Health Wales and the UK Health Security Agency have warned the estimated 190,000 visitors who will be visiting the 250 farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday this weekend to make sure they take basic hygiene measures – including thoroughly washing hands .
Jo Hatton, an education specialist for organisers of the open farm event LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming ), said: “We are supporting farmers to open their farms and with their risk assessments. We are on the phone with farmers checking in with them throughout the planning process and helping them to understand how to ensure that that visit goes smoothly and everyone goes home happy and healthy.”
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said that the health and safety of farm visitors was “taken extremely seriously”.
To keep yourself safe from Cryptosporidium during a farm visit in the UK, follow these key precautions:
1. Hand Hygiene
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after: Touching animals or their surroundings Handling boots, clothing, or equipment used on the farm Before eating, drinking, or smoking After using the toilet
- Avoid using alcohol-based hand sanitisers alone – they are not effective against Cryptosporidium.
2. Avoid Hand-to-Mouth Contact
- Do not eat, drink, smoke, or put fingers in your mouth while on the farm, especially in animal areas.
3. Supervise Children Closely
- Ensure young children are kept under close watch.
- Help them wash their hands properly, especially after touching animals or equipment and before eating.
4. Use Designated Eating Areas
- Only eat and drink in areas specifically set aside for food, away from animal contact zones.
5. Wear Appropriate Clothing
- Wear waterproof boots and clothes suitable for a farm environment.
- Remove and clean clothing and footwear after the visit to avoid bringing contamination home.
6. Stay Clear of Sick Animals
- Avoid touching any animals that appear unwell, as they may be more likely to carry the parasite.
7. Report Illness
- If you or a family member develops diarrhoea within a few days after visiting a farm, especially if it persists, seek medical advice and mention the farm visit.