Public Health Wales (PHW) has issued a parasite warning ahead of a major farming event this Sunday. A recent outbreak of cryptosporidium linked to farm visits in south Wales has resulted in more than 80 confirmed cases of gastroenteritis, with some having to be admitted to hospital.
The health body urged visitors to take sensible precautions ahead of Open Farm Sunday on June 8, when tens of thousands of people are set to visit around 250 farms across the UK. In 2024, 17 outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis were linked to farms in England and Wales, but the health body said 89 individual cases this spring were linked to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan, which has now stopped its open days.
Jo Hatton, an education specialist for organisers of the open farm event, said all participating farms were given advice and training on how best to keep visitors safe.
The parasite can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach cramps, and most people recover within two weeks.
However, pregnant women, children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of becoming unwell or having complications of infection.
Christopher Williams, Consultant Epidemiologist for Public Health Wales said: “Infection can be caught from direct contact with animals or touching things that have animal faeces on them. The risk of infection can be reduced by strictly following safety advice.”
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 clothes, shoes, and pram wheels after leaving the farm. So, continue hand hygiene after touching items which could be contaminated until the item has been cleaned.”
Soiled clothes, shoes, or other items should be cleaned promptly, and “sensible 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 ill after visiting a farm, contact your GP or 111.”
Cowbridge Farm Shop has been contacted for comment. It previously said it had “made every precaution possible” to prevent an outbreak.
