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CRYPTOSPORIDIUM IS A PARASITE THAT CAN CAUSE GASTROINTESTINAL ILLNESS, OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH CONTACT WITH ANIMALS, ESPECIALLY YOUNG FARM ANIMALS SUCH AS CALVES AND LAMBS 18:57, 29 May
2025Updated 06:13, 30 May 2025 Public Health Wales is urging people to maintain good hygiene practices when visiting farms, after eight more cases of cryptosporidium, which can cause
gastrointestinal illness, were linked to a Cowbridge farm in March and April of this year. The fifth meeting of the multi-agency outbreak control team convened on Saturday, May 24, to
address an outbreak of cryptosporidium associated with visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm, Cross Ways, Cowbridge, CF71 7LJ, which has led to 89 confirmed cases so far.
After the outbreak, the farm voluntarily ceased all public animal feeding activities on April 29. _Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to __our newsletter here_.
Cryptosporidium, a parasite, is often contracted through contact with animals, particularly young farm animals like calves and lambs, and has been the focus of warnings from Public Health
experts. They advise those who have been in contact with infected individuals to be vigilant in preventing the spread of the infection. Susan Mably, consultant in health protection at Public
Health Wales, said: "We are continuing to work closely with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to prevent any further spread of infection. "Cryptosporidium usually
clears up on its own, but it can cause more serious illness in young children and people with weaker immune systems. Article continues below "Cryptosporidium can also spread from person
to person. If you develop symptoms after being in contact with someone who became ill following a visit to this farm, or any other farm where they have handled or fed the animals, it's
important to get medical advice. Washing your hands properly, especially before eating or preparing food, is one of the best ways to stop the infection spreading." Gareth Carpenter, a
father whose son, Michael is suspected to have contracted the parasite at the farm said he had never seen his son as ill as he got after the infection. You can read more about that here. THE
MAIN SYMPTOMS OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INCLUDE: * Watery diarrhoea * Stomach pains or cramps * Nausea or vomiting * Mild fever * Loss of appetite * Weight loss The symptoms typically commence
between two and 10 days after exposure and can persist for up to two weeks. Although, there are ways you can minimise the risk of infection. Individuals visiting farms are advised to adhere
to hygiene precautions, including avoiding close contact with animals like holding, cuddling or kissing animals, as this significantly heightens the risk of illness. They say you should
always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching animals, footwear, clothing, bikes, scooters, prams etc. before consuming food or drink. However, alcohol-based hand
gels do not provide adequate cleaning and the mechanical action of washing with soap and water is the most reliable method to remove the parasite from the skin. Remember to supervise
children closely to ensure they wash their hands properly and to avoid close contact, especially cuddling or kissing the animals. They also suggest refraining from eating or drinking while
interacting with animals or walking around the farm and to remove and clean footwear and wash hands after departing the premises. Pregnant women should be particularly cautious to avoid
contact with new born lambs during lambing season. Those who have experienced the above symptoms following a visit to a farm should be particularly vigilant in preventing the spread of the
infection to others in their household. You can do this by maintaining good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap and warm water, and refraining from sharing towels,
bedding, or other personal items until you have completely recovered. It is especially crucial to wash your hands prior to preparing food. Refrain from swimming for a fortnight after your
symptoms have disappeared, as the parasite can linger in the body for a while after symptoms have subsided, posing a risk of infecting others. Anyone who has symptoms and has visited the
Cowbridge Farm Shop (especially those who took part in the calf or lamb feeding sessions), are told that they should contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales and let them know that you have
visited the site. Article continues below More information about cryptosporidium is available on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cryptosporidium-public-advice