A OUTBREAK of an intestinal parasite at a farm “petting session” has seen 28 people fall sick.
Dozens of people who visited Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Wales, fell ill days later.
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Health authorities are now investigating a number of cases of Cryptosporidium infection in people who attended calf and lamb feeding and petting sessions.
Cowbridge Farm Shop have voluntarily brought these activities to a close and are cooperating with investigations, according to Public Health Wales.
Su Mably, PHW consultant in health protection, said: “We are working closely with partners to investigate these cases and to understand if there is a wider risk to the public.
“We would advise anyone who has visited the farm, particularly those who attended feeding or petting sessions, and who is now experiencing symptoms to contact their GP.”
The farm team had written a Facebook post in which they announced their feeding experiences had been cancelled “due to unforeseen circumstances”.
A spokesperson reassured ticket holders they would be fully refunded, but this statement has since been deleted.
The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, nausea or vomiting, mild fever, and loss of appetite and weight loss.
These symptoms usually begin two to 10 days after exposure and can last for up to two weeks.
Children and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to infection.
Public Health Wales is reminding people to always follow the following hygiene practices when visiting farms:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching animals, after touching boots or clothing, and before eating or drinking.
- Do not eat or drink while touching animals or walking round the farm.
- Remove and clean footwear and wash hands after leaving the farm.
- Supervise children closely to ensure they wash their hands properly.
- Pregnant women should take particular care and avoid contact with newborn lambs during lambing season.
Councillor Ruba Sivagnanam, Vale of Glamorgan council’s cabinet member for community engagement, equalities and regulatory services, said the authority was “working with the business to prevent any further cases of ill health”.
