Public health officials have issued a seasonal warning about the risks of children contracting illness from visits to farms.
So-called "petting farms" are a popular attraction during the Easter School Holidays when children can feed new-born lambs.
But they also trigger outbreaks of an illness caused by the parasite cryptosporidium, found in soil, water and food.
The disease is most common in children under the age of six, Public Health England warned.
Last year at least 150 people succumbed to it in 11 outbreaks linked to petting farms between January and May.
Patients develop watery diarrhoea and stomach pains.
The agency warned that children were also at risk of other infections such as E.coli and salmonella.
It says visitors should ensure that everyone involved in farm visits washes hands thoroughly using soap and water.
Dr Bob Adak, from Public Health England, said: “Around two million people visit farm attractions each year so the number of people who become ill is proportionally quite small. However, these cases of illness could be easily avoided by practicing good hand hygiene."
He added: "People may be tempted to use hand gels and wipes during a farm visit and after touching animals but these are not suitable for removing the sort of germs found on farms and it is very important to remember not to rely on these for removing germs on the hands."
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