Importance of washing hands after contact with animals highlighted to West Midlands families

People in the West Midlands heading to farms and animal attractions this Easter bank holiday weekend are being reminded of the significance of ensuring they wash their hands after coming into contact with animals.

The message comes from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) who have said each spring it sees a sharp rise in reported cases of Cryptosporidium, a disease which is spread by animals, with the main carriers of it being ones such as cattle, sheep and goats.

It also mentioned back in 2024, 778 cases of cryptosporidium were reported in the West Midlands.

UKHSA's urging families who are planning on going to the likes of petting zoos to "wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals, fences and other surfaces" to help them avoid picking up infections which can cause serious illnesses.

Consultant in health protection within UKHSA's West Midlands team, Angele Cartwright, said: "The key things that we want families to know is the importance of washing their hands, and that's washing with soap and water, so not using things like anti-bacterial gels or baby wipes.

"Another key thing is to ensure that animals don't lick children's faces, we know things like lambs are really cuddly, but try to avoid that sort of really close contact.

"We're not saying to people don't go out and enjoy the countryside, go and help your children to learn about where food comes from and about the countryside, but just take some really simple precautions to try and avoid tracking any of these bugs back home."

Advice from UKHSA on how to stay safe on a farm visit is listed below:

Always

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching animals, fences or surfaces in animal areas, and before eating or drinking
• Eat and drink only in designated picnic areas or cafés
• Supervise children closely to ensure they wash their hands properly
• Clean any soiled footwear and pushchair wheels before leaving, then wash your hands again

Never

• Put fingers in mouths or hands on faces while around animals
• Allow children to put their faces close to animals
• Eat, drink or chew gum while walking around the farm or touching animals
• Return a child’s dummy, comforter or toy if it has fallen on the ground, until items have been washed thoroughly
• Rely on hand gels or wipes instead of soap and water

What to do if you feel unwell after a farm visit

• If you or anyone in your group develops diarrhoea, vomiting or stomach pains within two weeks of visiting a farm, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
• If anyone, particularly a young child, has blood in their diarrhoea, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Anyone with symptoms should stay away from work, school or childcare until they have been free of diarrhoea and vomiting for at least 48 hours.
• If diagnosed with cryptosporidium, avoid swimming for two weeks after symptoms clear, as the parasite is resistant to chlorine.

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