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BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Cryptosporidium warning as people told not to cuddle and kiss lambs
Visitors to farms for lamb feeding events are being warned not to kiss, cuddle and hold the animals after an outbreak of a parasitic infection that causes serious gastrointestinal Health Wales (PHW) has advised farmers running the events to avoid offering close contact with were 17 outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis linked to farms in England and Wales in 2024, while earlier this year more than 80 people fell ill due to infections linked to a petting farm in Vale of infection led to 16 people requiring hospital care for at least one night, including a four-year-old boy. A report by PHW said people who had closer levels of contact were much more likely to become ill with cryptosporidium than those who did not touch the report from the health body came after a large cryptosporidium outbreak in spring 2024 where more than 200 people became ill, 18 of whom attended hospital. Children under the age of 10 were four times more likely to become unwell, it said. Cryptosporidium is commonly associated with contact with farm animals, and can spread easily from person to person and poses increased risk to young children and those with weakened immune typically appear two to 10 days after exposure and can last up to two advice is one of a range of recommendations made in a report into a large cryptosporidium outbreak among people. Gareth Carpenter and Kate Wiejak's son Michael visited Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, with his grandmother, Margaret Carpenter, on 11 April this couple from Bridgend said Margaret "made sure" Michael washed his hands afterwards, and also used hand by 14 April, while the family were on holiday in Spain, Michael started to feel unwell, with a raised temperature and diarrhoea. He continued to be very unwell throughout the night and so, the following morning, they called the emergency medical services who advised them to take Michael to said Michael had a serious infection and he spent three days in hospital. On their return to Wales, Michael still had a "bad belly" and so they took him to see a GP on 22 April, who requested a stool said he received a call from PHW the following day to say the test result had shown Michael was infected with Kate and Gareth later became unwell with similar, but much milder, symptoms and Gareth said he was still experiencing stomach cramps, more than four weeks after Michael's contact with the animals. Other recommendations in the report included better provision of handwashing facilities, including basins with hot and cold running water, liquid soap and paper sanitiser or alcohol gel is not effective against cryptosporidium, PHW added there should also be prominent signage advising people to wash their hands regularly while they are on the premises and visitors should ensure clothing is washed as soon as possible after the should be aware of existing guidance when planning open farm events, and provide visitors with information about the infection risks involved when booking events. What is cryptosporidium? Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that can cause an unpleasant and sometimes dangerous illness called cryptosporidiosisIt lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their faecesIt can then spread to water sources like lakes, rivers, and swimming pools, as well as food like raw milkThe illness can affect anyone but is most common in children aged one to fiveSymptoms, which can last for around two weeks, include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and loss of appetiteThere is no specific treatment but most people feel better within a monthSource: UK Health Security Agency Dr Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist for PHW said lamb feeding events were increasingly popular, especially with families but could have serious consequences."This report shows that when young children have close contact with animals like lambs - when they cuddle, kiss or nuzzle their faces - then there is a significant risk of contracting the infection, which can cause serious illness and result in hospitalisation," he report recommended lamb or calf feeding was supervised and done with the animals separated from the visitors by their pens, meaning people could still bottle feed the animals but can have greater protection against illness. Dr Williams said it was "vital" any farmers planning to hold any visitor events involving animal activities familiarise themselves with the existing guidance and take all the precautions they can to ensure their visitors had a safe added PHW would also like to see farmers make visitors aware of the risks involved in having close contact with young animals, so people were educated before they attend."I would encourage any farmers who are considering opening their farms for these events to consider all the risks, and plan ahead early to enable them to make all the necessary provisions possible in order to keep their visitors safe from infection."
Wales Online
29-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
More cases of parasite outbreak confirmed after visits to popular Welsh petting farm
More cases of parasite outbreak confirmed after visits to popular Welsh petting farm Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, often associated with contact with animals, especially young farm animals such as calves and lambs Four-year-old Michael contracted Cryptosporidium from the Cowbridge Farm Shop in April. (Image: Gareth Carpenter ) Public Health Wales is urging people to maintain good hygiene practices when visiting farms, after eight more cases of cryptosporidium, which can cause gastrointestinal illness, were linked to a Cowbridge farm in March and April of this year. The fifth meeting of the multi-agency outbreak control team convened on Saturday, May 24, to address an outbreak of cryptosporidium associated with visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm, Cross Ways, Cowbridge, CF71 7LJ, which has led to 89 confirmed cases so far. After the outbreak, the farm voluntarily ceased all public animal feeding activities on April 29. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here . Cryptosporidium, a parasite, is often contracted through contact with animals, particularly young farm animals like calves and lambs, and has been the focus of warnings from Public Health experts. They advise those who have been in contact with infected individuals to be vigilant in preventing the spread of the infection. Susan Mably, consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, said: "We are continuing to work closely with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to prevent any further spread of infection. "Cryptosporidium usually clears up on its own, but it can cause more serious illness in young children and people with weaker immune systems. "Cryptosporidium can also spread from person to person. If you develop symptoms after being in contact with someone who became ill following a visit to this farm, or any other farm where they have handled or fed the animals, it's important to get medical advice. Washing your hands properly, especially before eating or preparing food, is one of the best ways to stop the infection spreading." Gareth Carpenter, a father whose son, Michael is suspected to have contracted the parasite at the farm said he had never seen his son as ill as he got after the infection. You can read more about that here. The main symptoms of cryptosporidium include: Watery diarrhoea Stomach pains or cramps Nausea or vomiting Mild fever Loss of appetite Weight loss The symptoms typically commence between two and 10 days after exposure and can persist for up to two weeks. Although, there are ways you can minimise the risk of infection. Individuals visiting farms are advised to adhere to hygiene precautions, including avoiding close contact with animals like holding, cuddling or kissing animals, as this significantly heightens the risk of illness. They say you should always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching animals, footwear, clothing, bikes, scooters, prams etc. before consuming food or drink. However, alcohol-based hand gels do not provide adequate cleaning and the mechanical action of washing with soap and water is the most reliable method to remove the parasite from the skin. Remember to supervise children closely to ensure they wash their hands properly and to avoid close contact, especially cuddling or kissing the animals. They also suggest refraining from eating or drinking while interacting with animals or walking around the farm and to remove and clean footwear and wash hands after departing the premises. Pregnant women should be particularly cautious to avoid contact with new born lambs during lambing season. Those who have experienced the above symptoms following a visit to a farm should be particularly vigilant in preventing the spread of the infection to others in their household. You can do this by maintaining good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap and warm water, and refraining from sharing towels, bedding, or other personal items until you have completely recovered. It is especially crucial to wash your hands prior to preparing food. Refrain from swimming for a fortnight after your symptoms have disappeared, as the parasite can linger in the body for a while after symptoms have subsided, posing a risk of infecting others. Anyone who has symptoms and has visited the Cowbridge Farm Shop (especially those who took part in the calf or lamb feeding sessions), are told that they should contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales and let them know that you have visited the site. Article continues below More information about cryptosporidium is available on the website:
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Number of Brits ‘horrendously ill' with parasite after visiting petting farm rises to 81, as 16 in hospital
THE number of people who have fallen sick with an animal-borne bug after visiting a petting farm in Wales has risen to 81, officials have confirmed. Sixteen people have been rushed to hospital after visiting Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan - at least one of these is a four-year-old boy. 6 6 All tested positive for cryptosporidium, also called 'crypto' - a highly contagious parasite that causes diarrhoea and spreads easily between humans and animals. Among the youngest who became ill was little Alba Dobbinson. The eight-year-old was hit with nausea and diarrhoea after feeding lambs at the farm with her mum, Vici, on April 17. Photos show the little girl cuddling the animals and close contact with infected livestock is one of the main ways the bug spreads. Vici said: 'We were stunned because we had only been around other families and couldn't pinpoint where Alba had caught it. 'It's not like a 48-hour bug, it can potentially go on for up to a month." She added: "She can't even go to school, spend time with her friends or enjoy the weather.' Meanwhile, Gareth Carpenter said he had never seen his son Michael so unwell after he was hospitalised, suspected of catching the parasite at the farm. "He's had chicken pox, he's had flu, he has had viruses, he had many, many, many things as you can imagine as kids do when they mix in with other children, but I've never, ever seen him that ill before," he told WalesOnline. "We had to put him back in nappies, just literally leaking. It was horrendous, stomach pains and cramps," he added. The farm voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions on April 29 as health officials continue to investigate the outbreak. 'We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to reduce the risk of further transmission," Beverley Griggs, from Public Health Wales (PHW), said. All cases have been linked to visits to the farm between March and April 2025. Anyone who took part in the lamb or calf feeding sessions during that time is being urged to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales and inform them of the visit - not only those with symptoms. The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection according to the NHS include: Watery diarrhoea Stomach pains or cramps Nausea Vomiting Mild fever Loss of appetite Weight loss Dehydration 6 6 6 Symptoms usually start two to 10 days after infection and can last for around two weeks once they appear. Sometimes the illness may seem to improve as symptoms ease, but they can return before full recovery. "Cryptosporidium infection often clears up without treatment but, it can be more serious for young children and people with weakened immune systems," Beverley said. 'It is also important to be aware that this infection can be passed from person to person." Due to the bug's highly infectious nature people with symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting are told to stay off work or school until they have been free from these symptoms for at least 48 hours. Touching infected poo and then putting your unwashed hands near your mouth is a common way of catching cryptosporidios. This is because the bug lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo. "Good hand hygiene at home, especially before eating or preparing food, is essential in helping to stop the spread," Beverley added. 6 Previous outbreaks Just last month health chiefs issued a warning to families planning to visit farms this spring, as a rise in temperatures could also see an increase in "harmful" pathogens. Petting zoos in particular can expose visitors to gastrointestinal infections, they said. Last year the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning about the risk of cryptosporidium infection from farm visits. In May 2024, more than 100 people were also infected by cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon. The outbreak was believed to be linked to water contaminated with infected faeces making its way into the drinking supply. Whole streets in the town were infected, with victims forced to endure days of diarrhoea and agonising stomach cramps, with one sufferer even comparing them to 'childbirth'.
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
81 people unwell and 16 hospitalised after parasitic infection outbreak at Welsh attraction
81 people unwell and 16 hospitalised after parasitic infection outbreak at Welsh attraction One father said he had 'never seen his son that ill before' Michael had to spend three days at a hospital after getting infected (Image: Gareth Carpenter ) There has been a further increase in the number of people who have fallen ill following a parasitic infection outbreak at a Welsh farm. Public Health Wales (PHW) have now confirmed that its ongoing investigation into a cryptosporidium outbreak at Cowbridge Farm Shop has seen 81 people who have fallen ill. It has also been revealed that the outbreak has resulted in 16 people having to stay in hospital for at least one night. PHW warned that these numbers may continue to rise in the coming week due to the incubation period of the infection. Of these 81 people is four-year-old Michael, who suffered from stomach cramps and watery diarrhoea after he went to the farm with his grandmother. Gareth Carpenter, 46, said his son Michael suddenly fell ill days after visiting on Friday, April 11. Tests later revealed he had been infected with cryptosporidium, which lives in the intestines of infected animals and humans. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here Gareth, said: 'He's had chicken pox, he's had flu, he has had viruses, he had many, many, many things as you can imagine as kids do when they mix in with other children, but I've never, ever seen him that ill before." A spokesperson for Public Health Wales said: "We want to remind those visiting open farms to follow good hygiene practices. Article continues below "Seven new cases of cryptosporidium have been identified in association with visits to a Cowbridge farm in March and April 2025. Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan is under investigation (Image: Streetview ) "The fourth meeting of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team was held today (14 May) to respond to an outbreak of Cryptosporidium linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop, Marlborough Grange Farm, Cross Ways, Cowbridge CF71 7LJ. "The outbreak has resulted in 81 confirmed cases of Cryptosporidium and 16 people having to stay in hospital for at least one night. "The farm voluntarily stopped all public animal feeding activities on 29 April and has continued to support the investigation, we are grateful to the business for their ongoing cooperation. "Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, often associated with contact with animals, especially young farm animals such as calves and lambs." Public health experts are warning those who have come into contact with infected cases to take extra care to avoid passing the infection onto others. Beverley Griggs, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales said: "We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to reduce the risk of further transmission. "Cryptosporidium infection often clears up without treatment but, it can be more serious for young children and people with weakened immune systems. 'We advise anyone who visited the farm and is experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain or nausea to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales. 'It is also important to be aware that this infection can be passed from person to person, if you begin to experience these symptoms after contact with someone has experienced them after visiting the farm, you should also contact your GP or NHS 111 Wales. Good hand hygiene at home, especially before eating or preparing food, is essential in helping to stop the spread.' The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, nausea or vomiting, mild fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. Article continues below Symptoms usually start two to 10 days after exposure and can last for up to two weeks. Anyone who has symptoms and has visited the Cowbridge Farm Shop – especially those who took part in the calf or lamb feeding sessions – are being urged to contact their GP or to call NHS 111 Wales and let them know that you have visited the site.
Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Times
Boy, 4, hospitalised after contracting parasite at petting farm
A four-year-old boy was hospitalised for three days after visiting a petting farm in Wales as public health authorities investigated 74 cases of parasitic infections linked to the site. Gareth Carpenter and Kate Wiejak, from Bridgend, said their son Michael started to feel unwell after he visited Cowbridge Farm Shop, at Marlborough Grange Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan on April 11. The family was on holiday in Malaga, Spain, three days after going to the farm, when Michael started getting symptoms of a cryptosporidium infection. He experienced a raised temperature and diarrhoea. Wiejak told the BBC that the boy's grandmother blamed herself for taking him to the farm, but said she wished more information had been given about the potential risks to people attending
