SHROPSHIRE’S most senior health official has issued a warning to parents about the potential for infection from farm visits this half-term.

Families visiting farms or other animal attractions in Shropshire are being advised to follow advice to help keep children safe and healthy, this May 2024 half term.

Visitor attractions involving contact with animals are understandably popular with parents and children, but do carry a risk from infectious diseases.

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Rachel Robinson, director of public health at Shropshire Council, issued the warning ahead of the May half-term this week.

Common types of illness include infection with cryptosporidium parvum, E. coli O157 and salmonella, which all live in the gut of the animal.

“As a mum I know visiting a farm or other animal attraction is lots of fun, but it is important to remember that animals can carry a number of infections that can be harmful to people,” she said.

“Animals have various micro-organisms in them, some of which can infect humans and make them sick.

“Some, such as E. coli O157 or Cryptosporidium (Crypto), are very dangerous and can cause severe disease that may affect young children more severely.

“In our Health Protection Cell, we deal with many cases of Crypto every year among children, and it’s very unpleasant for them and their parents.

“If you are visiting one of these attractions over May half term, please make sure you and your family follow this advice and enjoy the experience with peace of mind.”

Shropshire Council has issued a number of points of advice including children washing their hands after handling an animal, before eating, before and after using play equipment and leaving the site.

A spokesman added that children should not suck fingers, check guts, do not kiss the animals and not touch animal foods.

They said: “Do not use or pick up tools (eg spades and forks) or touch other work equipment unless permitted to do so by site staff.

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“Do not climb on to walls, fences, gates, or animal pens etc.

“Some animals put their feet on the fences of their pens and contaminate them with faecal matter.”

They added that any member of the group feeling ill should report to a doctor and inform the attraction they attended of their illness.