A drive to stop outbreaks of infection linked to petting farm animals was launched yesterday.
Farms are popular attractions for school and family trips with young children – but dozens of visits lead to infection with cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhoeal illness.
So far this year 12 outbreaks have been reported and 130 people infected.
Health officials yesterday urged the public to practice good hand hygiene during visits.
On average about 80 cases a year of infection are reported – meaning the number of cases this year is already unusually high.
Public Health England also warned of the risk of E.coli, which tends to become most infectious over the summer months.
Dr Bob Adak, of Public Health England, said hand gels and wipes were not adequate to protect against farm infection.
He said: “Visiting a farm is a very enjoyable experience for both children and adults alike but it’s important to remember that contact with farm animals carries a risk of infection because of the microorganisms – or germs – they naturally carry.
“These outbreaks of illness serve as a reminder for anyone visiting a petting farm of the need to wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water after they have handled animals or been in their surroundings – particularly before eating."
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