What is cryptosporidium and where is the risk?

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes severe diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Health officials are warning of an increased risk of contracting it at petting farms, particularly during the Easter period.

How are cryptosporidium infections transmitted?

Infections are transmitted through contact with infected faeces, which can be from animals or people, or from contaminated surfaces like farm gates or shoes.

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Cryptosporidium Risk: Beware Farm Visits

Q: What precautions should visitors take at petting farms?

Visitors should practice good hand hygiene, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals and before eating. Children should avoid eating or putting fingers in their mouths near animals, and cleaning shoes after leaving the farm is also advised.

25 Mar

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Summary

Cryptosporidium parasite poses diarrhoea risk at petting farms.
Over 70 cases linked to one farm in April last year.
UKHSA investigated 24 outbreaks linked to lambing events.

Cryptosporidium Risk: Beware Farm Visits

Health officials have issued a warning about the risk of contracting cryptosporidium, a parasite causing severe diarrhoea, at petting farms during the Easter period. Thousands are infected annually, with the parasite easily passing between animals and people.

Last year, over 70 cases were specifically linked to Cowbridge Farm Shop. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also investigated 24 outbreaks associated with lambing events and farm visits between March and May, coinciding with popular holiday periods.

Infection occurs through contact with infected faeces, either directly from animals or people, or via contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting, and sometimes blood in stools. While usually mild and self-limiting for most, it can be serious for vulnerable individuals.

The UKHSA stresses the importance of hand hygiene, advising visitors to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals and before eating. Children should avoid eating or putting fingers in their mouths near animals. Cleaning shoes and washing hands after leaving the farm is also recommended.

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