East Health experts: thoroughly wash hands if visiting Petting farms
Last year, UKHSA investigated 16 outbreaks of cryptosporidium nationally linked to farm visits
Last updated 21st Apr 2025
Those planning of visiting a petting farm in Essex, Norfolk or Suffolk this weekend are urged to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water- before and after trip out.
The appeal comes from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) with sheep, goats and cattle carrying the bacteria, e-coli- which can make children quite ill for a few days.
Last year, UKHSA investigated 16 outbreaks of cryptosporidium nationally linked to farm visits, which resulted in many hundreds of infections.
Danielle Lawrence is the group's Eastern Rep:
"At this time of year when the weather gets a bit warmer and people are outside a bit more, we tend to see an increase in infections, that can be quite serious and result in some people becoming quite unwell".
What to do when visiting a farm
Pregnant women need to take particular care as infections acquired from animals can be harmful to them and their unborn baby.
Do wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them, before eating or drinking.
Do remove and clean boots or shoes that might have become soiled and clean pushchair wheels. Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them.
Do supervise children closely to ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly.
Washing your hands should take about 20 seconds – the same time that it takes to recite a single verse of “Old Macdonald Had a Farm”.
Do eat and drink in picnic areas or cafes only.
Do not put hands on faces or fingers in mouths while petting animals or walking round the farm.
Do not allow children to put their faces close to animals.
Do not eat or drink while touching animals or walking round the farm.
Do not eat anything that has fallen on the floor.
Do not use gels or wipes instead of washing hands with soap and water. Gels and wipes do not remove bugs in dirt.
What should I do if I feel unwell after a farm visit?
If you or anyone in your group feels unwell or has any symptoms, for example is sick or has diarrhoea within two weeks of visiting a farm, contact your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible.
If you or anyone in your group, particularly a young child, has bloody diarrhoea, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
You should not attend school, childcare or work until you have been free of sickness or diarrhoea for two days.
If you are diagnosed with Cryptosporidium, you must not go swimming until two weeks after you are free of sickness or diarrhoea as the bugs are resistant to chlorine.