All animals naturally carry a range of bugs, some of which can be passed on to humans, where they may cause ill health. One of these bugs is E.coli O157, which can cause severe illness. In order to keep yourself, your family members and friends safe, please follow this advice:
- Children and adults must wash their hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly before leaving the animal contact areas.
- Children must be supervised at all times whilst feeding and petting the animals and also washing their hands.
- Wash your hands after you touch or feed an animal or after touching railings and fencing near any animals.
- Do not allow children to suck their fingers or put anything in their mouth when they are in the animal areas, this includes small toys, comfort blankets, teddy bears etc, ensuring all such items are placed securely away.
- Children must not touch the animals or railings if they suck their fingers.
- Dummies should not be re-used if they touch the floor until they have been sterilised. If possible, use a clean spare dummy.
- Please remove all gloves when in the animal barn
- Do not eat or drink whilst in the animal feeding area.
If you or your child suffers from diarrhoea within 2 weeks of a visit to a farm or after contact with any farm animals, you should contact your doctor or NHS 111.