Petting Farm Outbreak: Parasite Illness Confirmed

Health officials have declared an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, a contagious gastro-intestinal illness caused by a parasite, at a petting farm in Calgary. Five cases have been confirmed among visitors to Butterfield Acres this month, all affecting individuals aged 17 and older. Those who visited the farm on or after April 9 may have been exposed. The parasite, which lives in the intestines of infected animals and humans, spreads through contact with feces. Public Health is collaborating with the facility, which has temporarily closed to the public for remediation. Symptoms typically appear within two to 10 days and include watery diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. While healthy individuals usually recover on their own, those with immune-compromising conditions are at higher risk. No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported. The petting farm stated that the outbreak was linked to a new calf infected with the parasite, which has since been removed. The facility is implementing enhanced disinfection and hand-washing protocols.