A POPULAR family attraction has closed its doors to the public, following reports of people falling ill with vomiting and diarrhoea after visiting.
Gannow Farm in Worcestershire, which offers cuddles with lambs and calves for family visits, that it was likely the “probable source” of a bug called cryptosporidium.
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Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes the infection cryptosporidiosis, which can affect both people and farm animals.
Though anyone can get the bug, it tends to infect children younger than five, causing watery diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pains that can last days or weeks.
“Gannow Farm are very sad to report that we have been contacted by several people informing us they have become unwell after visiting the farm,” it shared in a statement to its Facebook page on April 9.
“It seems highly likely that we are the probable source of a bug called Cryptosporidium, which has made a number of our visitors ill with sickness and diarrhoea.”
When contacted by The Sun, the farm said there had been “no confirmation of an outbreak” of cryptosporidiosis at the venue – though it’s statement said it believed to be the source of a number of people falling sick.
“We are deeply saddened to hear that anyone has become unwell since visiting the farm as we have made every precaution possible to prevent this, we hope that anyone who is poorly gets well soon,” the statement read.
The farm said it had been contacted by visitors to share they had fallen ill with stomach bugs after spending time there over the Easter holidays.
“We believe we may have encouraged the spread of infection by the amount of people on the farm,” it explained.
Gannow Farm got in touch Environmental Health officers on April 8, following these reports, who confirmed the following day “that a diagnosis has been made for cryptosporidium”.
A spokesperson told The Sun: “They had not heard of anything and made some enquiries and then confirmed there had been a suspected case.”
‘Too early to confirm source of illness’
Gannow Farm shared a second update to its Facebook page, confirming that it had made the decision to close the farm to visitors for the remainder of the 2024 Farm Experience.
“We took the decision to close as we are unsure if the infection came from the farm,” a spokesperson said.
“We take visitors health very seriously and want to the best by all.”
The decision to close was taken by Gannow Farm’s team rather than governing bodies, though it shared that it was working with them closely.
“All bookings for April 13, 14, 20 and 21 will be fully refunded, please bear with us while we work through this difficult time,” the statement clarified.
Gannow Farm said it had been “truly devastated” that people had felt poorly after their visits, wishing them a speedy recovery.
“Please be kind to the staff as they have all worked so hard to make this year enjoyable and safe as possible for you all,” it asked.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told the BBC: “UKHSA is working with Worcestershire Regulatory Services to investigate reports of diarrhoea and vomiting in people who visited an open farm in Worcestershire over the Easter weekend.
“Samples have just been collected to send off for analysis, it is therefore too early to confirm the source of illness.”
The Sun has also contacted Environmental Health for comment.
‘It’s a risk that’s taken’
Some recent visitors to the farm shared that they had fallen ill afterwards, but thanked Gannow Farm for making people aware of the situation.
“Both my two children started feeling poorly Saturday evening with sickness and diarrhoea, that was five days after our visit,” one visitor posted on Facebook
“Thanks for posting to share awareness. It can’t be helped if you want that interaction then its a risk that’s taken… These are farm animals after all.”
Another visitor shared: “I’ve been so poorly for over a week, resulting in severe dehydration and hospital.
“We love Gannow Farm and came twice last year with no issues. But we were unlucky this year despite hand washing and getting changed.
“Thank you so much for posting this so people are aware and can get the right medication.”
“Both my daughter and I have it, but we have traced it back to another farm we attended to do lamb feeding, not our visit to you,” a third person wrote.
“It’s rife, our GP said they’ve never heard of so many cases, this is is across the country!”
How can I protect myself against cryptosporidiosis?
The cryptosporidium parasite can be found in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals, according to UKHSA.
It may contaminate lakes, streams and rivers, swimming pools, untreated or poorly treated water and food – like raw milk and fresh produce – as well as objects such as farm gates and outdoor boots and clothing.
“Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been linked to drinking or swimming in contaminated water and contact with infected lambs and calves during visits to open farms,” UKHSA said.
You can get cryptosporidiosis from another person or animal by touching faeces, for example when changing a nappy or petting a lamb and putting your hands near or in your mouth without washing them thoroughly.
You can also get the bug from swimming in or drinking contaminated water.
Occasionally, you can be infected by eating contaminated food, including unwashed or unpeeled vegetables or salads or drinking contaminated raw milk.
Children aged one to five are those most commonly infected with the bug and people with weak immune systems are likely to be more seriously affected.
Sufferers will usually be struck down with mild to severe watery diarrhoea.
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis and how to avoid it
SYMPTOMS of the bug include:
- Profuse watery diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low-grade fever
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
Symptoms usually last for about two weeks but can be longer, especially in people with weak immune systems.
During the illness, you might think that you are getting better and have shaken off the infection but then it returns a couple of days later before you fully recover.
Take the following steps to protect yourself from the illness.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water:
- Before preparing and eating food
- After handling raw food
- After going to the toilet or changing a baby’s nappy
- After working with, feeding, grooming or playing with pets and other animals
Help young children to wash their hands properly and always wash and/or peel fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Do not drink untreated water.
You should pay special attention to hygiene during farm visits, washing hands after any contact with animals, and eating only in designated areas.
How do I treat the illness?
There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis.
Most people with a healthy immune system will recover within one month.
It’s important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to dehydration and you can lose important sugars and minerals from your body.
Cryptosporidiosis is highly infectious, so you need to be very clean around your home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop, so don’t return to work or school until that time has passed, don’t share towels or bedding and don’t prepare food for others.
You are infectious to other people while you are ill and have symptoms.