Public Health Wales (PHW) has issued a parasite warning forward of a significant farming occasion this Sunday. A latest outbreak of cryptosporidium linked to farm visits in south Wales has resulted in additional than 80 confirmed instances of gastroenteritis, with some having to be admitted to hospital.
The well being physique urged guests to take wise precautions forward of Open Farm Sunday on June 8, when tens of 1000’s of persons are set to go to round 250 farms throughout the UK. In 2024, 17 outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been linked to farms in England and Wales, however the well being physique mentioned 89 particular person instances this spring have been linked to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm within the Vale of Glamorgan, which has now stopped its open days.
Jo Hatton, an schooling specialist for organisers of the open farm occasion, mentioned all taking part farms got recommendation and coaching on how finest to maintain guests protected.
The parasite may cause diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and abdomen cramps, and most of the people recuperate inside two weeks.
However, pregnant girls, youngsters, aged folks, and people with weakened immune methods are at greater threat of changing into unwell or having problems of an infection.
Christopher Williams, Consultant Epidemiologist for Public Health Wales mentioned: “Infection could be caught from direct contact with animals or touching issues which have animal faeces on them. The threat of an infection could be diminished by strictly following security recommendation.”
He advised people to wash their hands with hot water and soap immediately after contact with animals and before leaving a farm.
Avoiding close contact with animals, such as cuddling, kissing, or holding, can reduce the risk of transmission. Visitors should also not eat or drink near animals or when they are walking through the farm.
He added: “The bugs can survive on garments, footwear, and pram wheels after leaving the farm. So, proceed hand hygiene after touching gadgets which might be contaminated till the merchandise has been cleaned.”
Soiled clothes, shoes, or other items should be cleaned promptly, and “wise footwear” should be worn, avoiding open-toe shoes.
Pregnant women should take particular care to avoid contact with lambing sheep and other animals giving birth, as well as newborn or baby animals.
The health body advised that people who have had diarrhoeal illness following a farm visit should not return to work, school, or nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours, and they should avoid using swimming pools for two weeks after their symptoms have ceased.
Williams concluded: “If you get ailing after visiting a farm, contact your GP or 111.”
Cowbridge Farm Shop has been contacted for comment. It previously said it had “made each precaution potential” to stop an outbreak.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2065796/parasite-outbreak-warning-ahead-major