Health warning to anyone planning farm visits this spring (2025)

The UKHSA has issued a warning to families visiting farms this Easter over 'harmful' pathogens

As warm and sunny weather is set to continue for much of the UK, health officials have issued a warning to anyone planning to visit a farm this spring.

Temperatures could reach highs of 22C on Friday (April 4) in parts of southeast England – and rising temperatures could bring an increased risk of gastrointestinal infections caused by harmful bacteria like cryptosporidium and E.coli.

These bacteria are often linked to outdoor activities such as trips to the farm. Last year alone, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) investigated 16 outbreaks of cryptosporidium connected to farm visits, resulting in hundreds of infections.

Cryptosporidium is a "nasty" parasite that can cause unpleasant and sometimes dangerous illness, according to the UKHSA. It is spread through the poo of infected humans and animals, often when putting unwashed hands near your mouth. The infection is most common in children between one and five, as well as those working with farm animals.

The UKHSA wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "What's this? Those red dots are cryptosporidium which lives in the intestines of some humans and animals.

"If you're off to a farm or fancy a swim this spring, read our blog on how to keep yourself safe from this nasty parasite."

Symptoms of the illness, which can last around two weeks, include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and loss of appetite, the UKHSA says.

To prevent yourself from getting cryptosporidiosis, the UKHSA advises the following:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially before eating, after going to the toilet, and after contact with pets or animals
• Wash and peel all fruits and vegetables
• Avoid drinking untreated water
• Don't swallow swimming pool or lake water
• Be careful with handwashing after any animal contact on farms

The health agency also warned parents against using wet wipes as an alternative to antibacterial cleansers after visiting farms.

The UKHSA said on X: "Baby wipes maybe tempting but for more serious bacteria like these ones, reach for something with antibacterial or disinfectant in the name, any good farm should be able to help with this."

It said on an image on X: "Did you know? Wiping down your pram wheels after a farm visit helps ensure it's just your little one along for the ride, not harmful bacteria like Cryptosporidium or E. coli."

The UKHSA advises washing your hands thoroughly with liquid soap and warm water immediately after contact with animals and at the end of a farm visit.

"Hand gels or wipes are not a substitute for washing your hands after visiting a farm, due to the types of germs you might be exposed to," the UKHSA said in a blog post.

"These germs may not cause animals to be visibly ill so it’s difficult to tell whether an animal is infected, especially when they look clean and healthy," it added.

What to do on a farm visit

According to the UKHSA, the best ways to stay safe from infections during a farm visit include:

• Follow any guidelines provided by farm staff and maintain safe distances from animals
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after you have touched animals or where animals may have been, and dry your hands with paper towels
• Supervise children closely and ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or drinking
• Only eat and drink in picnic areas or cafes when visiting a farm
• Avoid wearing open-toed shoes
• Remove and clean boots or shoes and clean pushchair wheels after a farm visit
• Wash clothing at 40C or hotter when you return home

What NOT to do on a farm visit

When visiting a farm this spring, the UKHSA says to avoid the following:

• Touching your face or mouth while petting animals or walking around the farm
• Kissing or putting your face close to farm animals
• Eating or drinking while touching animals or walking around the farm
• Eating anything that has fallen on the floor
• Using sanitising gels or wipes instead of washing hands with liquid soap and warm running water