Schools might be out for summer, but RCT Council is urging parents, carers and ‘the kids’ to wash their hands when visiting attractions where animals are present to prevent the spread of parasites.
As the summer holidays are now in full swing more and more people will be travelling to local attractions to keep the kids entertained over the next SIX weeks – this also means that bugs, viruses and parasites will likely take the opportunity to travel too!
The Council is advising all visitors to farms and other events and attractions where animals are present, to wash their hands thoroughly after animal contact. This follows several reports of diarrhoea, predominantly in children, linked to Cryptosporidium, a parasite spread by animals.
Cryptosporidium is spread by contact with infected animals, particularly lambs, goat kids, calves, and other livestock, as well as contaminated surfaces, bedding and water.
Key Hygiene Advice:
- Wash Hands Properly: Use warm water, liquid soap, and hygienic drying (paper towels, air dryers). Hand gels are not effective against Cryptosporidium.
- Avoid Eating or Drinking Around Animals: Don't eat or drink while touching animals, and wash hands before eating. Dispose of food dropped on the ground.
- Supervise Children: Ensure children wash their hands properly and avoid touching their faces or putting their fingers in their mouths.
- Care for Pregnant Women: Pregnant women should avoid animal contact due to increased risk.
- Clean Footwear and Pushchairs: Clean shoes and pushchair wheels before leaving the farm.
Visitors should also be cautious of contaminated outdoor areas like picnic tables or play structures.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
“As the schools break up we know that the young ones will be out and about having fun and that’s great – we’re just asking everyone to follow good hand hygiene guidelines so that we can all keep safe and enjoy the six weeks. Play it safe, wash your hands!”
Farm owners must adhere to the new health and safety guidance for attractions with animal contact.
Other Infection Sources:
- Drinking untreated milk or water
- Contact with infected people or contaminated food
- Infected swimming pool water
Signs and Symptoms of Infection:
Symptoms usually appear within 5-7 days, lasting up to 2 weeks.
Prevention Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet or handling animals.
- Avoid drinking untreated milk or water.
- Follow all farm safety and hygiene guidelines.
- Infected individuals should stay home until symptoms resolve.
Handwashing Tips:
- Alcohol hand sanitiser is not effective against Cryptosporidium, and washing hands with hot water and soap is the most effective form of hand hygiene.
- Wet hands with warm water.
- Apply soap and scrub for 20 seconds, covering all areas of the hands.
- Rinse and dry with a clean towel or air dryer.
For further information on handwashing, visit the How to wash your hands - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
When to Seek Medical Advice:
If you develop symptoms like diarrhoea (especially bloody or watery), fever, or flu-like symptoms after contact with animals, see your GP. Inform your workplace or school about potential exclusion policies.
If you or your child become infected, you should:
- wash all dirty clothes, bedding and towels on the hottest possible cycle of the washing machine
- make sure that everyone has their own towel and that they do not use anybody else’s
- clean toilet seats, toilet bowls, flush handles, taps and wash hand basins after use with detergent and hot water, followed by a household disinfectant
- not go swimming or take your child swimming while suffering from diarrhoea and for 2 weeks after the diarrhoea has stopped
- not prepare food for others until you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours
For more guidance, contact:
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Food and Health & Safety Team
Tel: 01443 744283
Email: food.healthandsafety@rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk
Stay informed, follow hygiene precautions, and help prevent the spread of Cryptosporidium.
Posted on 06/08/2025