Almost 50 cases now confirmed after parasite outbreak linked to Cowbridge farm visits
Investigators issue update on Cryptosporidium cases
Nearly 50 people who visited a petting farm in South Wales are now known to have been affected by a gastrointestinal parasite.
An outbreak of Cryptosporidium has been linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop in Cross Ways, Cowbridge.
Public Health Wales says its Outbreak Control Team is continuing to work closely with the premises to investigate the outbreak.
The number of confirmed cases has now reached 47 although it is understood this number could increase in the coming weeks due to the incubation period of the infection.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, often associated with contact with animals, especially young farm animals such as calves and lambs.
The farm has voluntarily ceased all public animal feeding activities.
Su Mably, Consultant in Health protection for Public Health Wales said:
“We are continuing to investigate this outbreak with our partners. While the infection is usually mild and self-limiting, it can be more serious in young children or people with weakened immune systems. We urge anyone who visited the farm and is feeling unwell to contact their GP or NHS 111. Practising good hygiene is the best way to protect yourself and others.”