Dozens Fall Sick After Visiting Petting Farm

An investigation has been launched after more than 30 people fell ill after visiting a petting farm in West Yorkshire.

Public Health England (PHE) said 29 cases of cryptosporidiosis, which causes diarrhoea, were confirmed in people who had visited Swithens Farm in Rothwell, Leeds, since the start of March.

There were also two cases of E.coli, which can lead to kidney problems in serious cases.

The farm, which has been run by the Broadhead family for more than 20 years, has now installed more sinks and signs reminding visitors to wash their hands after touching animals.

Dr Mike Gent, PHE's consultant in communicable disease control, said it is investigating the outbreak with Leeds City Council and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

He said the farm closed voluntarily while a "number of matters" were addressed.

Dr Gent added: "It's important to remember when visiting a petting farm that contact with farm animals carries a risk of infection because of the bacteria they naturally carry.

"It's very easy to touch animals or surfaces which carry bacteria and then people, especially children, put their fingers in or near their mouths without first washing their hands adequately and they become infected.

"It's really important when visiting these sorts of attractions to wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water after you have been in contact with animals and especially before eating or drinking anything.

"People may be tempted to use hand gels and wipes during a farm visit and after touching animals but, although they remove visible dirt and contamination, they may not be effective in removing the germs found on farms."

Swithens Farm has since reopened and its owners said: "We have put more procedures in place, more signage and sinks to make sure people wash their hands.

"We are doing everything to ensure they are kept healthy and not at risk."