Staying safe at the farm

There are 6 key steps that will lower the risk of infection:

• Handwashing is one of the most important ways of keeping yourself and others healthy. Wash hands well with soap and running water for 20 seconds. Wash hands straight away after coming into contact with animals, animal poo or where they have been. It's important to wash hands before eating or handling food. You may need to help children to make sure they have done this properly. Check out the video below which provides some clear instructions on the best way to wash our hands effectively. 
• Avoid putting your face near animals or kissing animals.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands. This is very important if your hands have not been washed.
• Make sure to clean footwear that has been worn in farm areas. It is also important to clean the wheels of pushchairs and wheelchairs, or cover the wheels with a plastic bag before putting in your car boot. Wash your hands well after doing this.
• Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping in the farm or animal area. This could transfer germs from hands to the mouth. Instead eat and drink in a dedicated picnic spot or café after washing your hands.
• Cover cuts or grazes with waterproof plasters or dressings when visiting the farm.

Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by ingesting a parasite that is found in cat poo and infected meat.

It can also be present in the birthing fluids of sheep and goats and, as a result, there’s a risk of toxoplasmosis infection passing from sheep to people during lambing season.

It causes a fever, sore throat and feeling sick.

It is mostly harmless but can be higher risk if you’re pregnant or you have a weak immune system. If you are in either category, it’s recommended you avoid contact with lambs, goat kids, goats and sheep during spring and early summer, and exercise a high level of personal hygiene (handwashing etc) when on the farm.

The main risk is to farm workers who may have much closer contact with birthing animals

E.coli is an infection that can be harmful to humans. It can be carried by a farm animals - even those that look clean and healthy!

E.Coli is a particular health risk, especially for children under 5, as they are more vulnerable to this infection and more likely to develop serious illness, if infected. Whilst animal-human infections at farm parks are thankfully very rare, it should be assumed that all cattle, sheep, goats and deer are carrying E.Coli even when they appear healthy.

When an animal is infected, the bacteria will be in the animal’s droppings, on its body and on any surfaces such as fences and gates that they have been in contact with. The risk is that by touching the animal or an infected surface, followed by your face or mouth, you may inadvertently pass bacteria into your body.

E.coli is the main reason handwashing is emphasised at farm attractions. E.coli enters your body through your mouth, so you reduce the risk significantly by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after you have had contact with any farm animals.

We expect that allergy sufferers will already know about their condition and avoid contact with animals that they know will trigger a reaction; however, should you begin to suffer the signs of an allergic reaction or sensitivity it is recommend that you immediately move away from the animals, go to a hand wash station and wash your hands and lower arms with hot water and soap and rinse thoroughly. Once you are happy that your hands are clean then repeat the procedure with your face. Long hair can trap allergens so consider tying that back or washing it too.

Alert a staff members who can call for first aid attention or emergency services should the condition worsen.

Allergies to farm animals can be caused by exposure to various proteins found in the animal’s hair, skin, saliva, urine, feces, or dander. The most common farm animals that people may be allergic to include cows, pigs, horses, goats, and chickens. Symptoms of an allergy to farm animals can vary from person to person, but they may include: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin rash or hives, wheezing or difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness.

Individuals with asthma may be at an increased risk of experiencing severe symptoms if they are allergic to farm animals