Farms offer fun for all the family. However, animals carry germs that can cause illness (diarrhoea, vomiting, etc.). There is an increased risk to those within vulnerable groups (young children, pregnant women, elderly, immunocompromised). Germs can be spread through contact with animals, their waste, or contaminated areas.
Blaenau Gwent Council is reminding people to check out the advice available below when visiting a farm:
Key Safety Steps:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after contact with animals and surfaces, especially before eating or touching your face. Hand sanitizers are an insufficient replacement for hand washing.
- If sufficient washing facilities are not available at the farm, then refrain from handling any animals. Consider flagging any concerns regarding insufficient facilities with your local Environmental Health team.
- Supervise children closely when they wash their hands.
- Avoid touching your face, eating, or drinking near animals.
- Avoid kissing or putting your face close to the animals.
- Only eat in designated areas on the farm and avoid eating (including sweets or chewing gum) when moving around the site.
- Wear closed-toe shoes and clean them after your visit.
- Wash clothing worn around animals at 60°C or hotter (if possible) for 30 minutes, with a good detergent.
- Follow farm staff guidelines.
If Unwell:
- If you develop symptoms within two weeks (diarrhoea, vomiting, etc.) from the date of your visit, contact your GP to arrange providing a stool sample.
- Seek immediate medical attention for bloody diarrhoea.
- Do not return to work, school, or nursery until symptom-free for 48 hours. Some cases may require additional testing before returning.
- Food handlers, children under 5, and people working with vulnerable populations should consult their GP immediately.
- If you suspect, or are confirmed to have Cryptosporidium then you must avoid swimming, or using communal bathing facilities, for a minimum of 14 days.
Advice for Event Organisers:
Improve awareness and adherence to hygiene guidance among staff and visitors.
- Provide accessible handwashing facilities with hot and cold running water, liquid soap, and paper towels.
- Consider keeping lambs enclosed in a pen, allowing visitors to feed them from the other side of the enclosure.
- Ensure scouring (diarrhoeic) lambs are quarantined and that animal contact areas are regularly disinfected.
- Use online booking systems and social media to promote public health advice and hygiene recommendations.
Further information:
