Going to feed the lambs? Wash your hands!

Visitors to animal petting and feeding attractions are being reminded of the importance of hand washing – following outbreaks of infections including E.Coli and cryptosporidium in previous years.

The risk of these can be significantly reduced by taking simple steps, including hand washing, to help keep people safe.

Helen Corrigan from NHS Grampian’s health protection team said: “There has been an increase in the number of premises offering animal petting and feeding experiences to members of the public. It is encouraging to see those working within the agriculture sector are providing these experiences to the public as they look to diversify. We want to help premises provide the safest experience possible.

“Our message is have fun, enjoy your time with these animals – but do it safely by remembering to take care washing your hands afterwards.”

Catherine Busson, environmental health team manager for Aberdeenshire Council commented: “All operators must have measures in place to protect the health and safety of those visiting farms and animal petting settings, including a facility for hand washing with warm running water, liquid soap and paper towels – it is important visitors make proper use of these.”

Christina Polson from Farm Stop in Portlethen is keen to raise awareness too. She said: “It's great having visitors to Farm Stop to meet the animals but health and hygiene is important to keep both humans and animals safe.

“It’s particularly important for everyone to remember hand gel is not a substitute for washing your hands with soap and water, and by practicing good hygiene we can continue to enjoy meeting animals in a happy and safe way.”

Helen added: “The risk of contracting infections from animal petting farms and experiences such as lamb feeding is significantly higher where control measures are not in place.

“In previous years we have seen increases of enteric illnesses such as Cryptosporidium, where visits to such premises are identified as the main risk factor. There have also been cases of E.Coli O157 associated with visits to farms and animal petting and feeding experiences. The symptoms of these infections can range from a short-lived diarrhoeal illness to some experiencing bloody diarrhoea requiring hospital admission and further treatment.

“After meeting the animals, it’s really important people avoid touching their faces or eating until they have properly washed their hands.

“Anyone who experiences diarrhoea that is particularly frequent or severe, lasts more than 7 days, has blood in it or they are unable to keep fluids down should seek advice from their GP highlighting any animal contact in previous 14 days.”

Individuals who are pregnant are advised not to come into contact with farm animals, to reduce the risk of infection to themselves and their unborn baby.

As well as coming into contact with animals directly, other potential touch points for coming into contact with pathogens include:

• Touching gates, fences and animal pen divisions
• Picking up feed from the ground
• Removing contaminated footwear or clothing
• Eating, drinking and smoking with unwashed hands
• Using play equipment – including hay/straw bales offered for climbing
• Contact with raw or surface water

For more information and advice, visit www.nhsinform.scot

There is an industry code of practice for visitor attractions. 

Supplementary guidance for operators is also available from local councils. Visit: Safe Practice in Animal Petting Establishments and Farm Experiences