Families in Worcestershire reminded to wash their hands when visiting farms to combat harmful bugs

To reduce the risk, everyone should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them well, after touching animals, fences and other surfaces to avoid picking up harmful infections that can cause serious illnesses.

Each spring, there is a sharp rise in reported cases of Cryptosporidium, a disease spread by animals, with cattle, sheep and goats being the main carriers.

Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, Professor Lisa McNally, said: “Visiting farms over Easter is a great way for families to get outdoors and learn more about animals, but it’s important to remember that these environments can also carry germs that make people unwell.

“Bugs such as cryptosporidium, E. coli and salmonella are commonly found on animals and the surfaces around them, even when they look clean. They can easily be picked up through simple hand-to-mouth contact.

“The best protection is thorough handwashing with soap and warm water as soon as you finish handling animals and always before eating. Hand gels and wipes don’t remove the kinds of germs found in soil and farm environments.

“Lambing season brings an extra risk, as cryptosporidium can be passed on very easily from young animals. These infections can cause severe stomach illness, particularly in young children and pregnant women, so taking a moment to wash hands properly really does make a difference.”

Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Satinder Bell, added: “We want people to continue enjoying and learning from farm visits, but to do so safely. The best defence is thorough handwashing with soap and running water, and drying them well. We should do this immediately after touching animals or their enclosures, and always before eating. Adults should supervise children to make sure they wash their hands properly every time.”

For more information on getting hand hygiene right, go to our webpage www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cleanhandssafehands.