Petting zoos and working farms present potential hygiene risks warns UKHSA
Farm visits are fun days out for the whole family: they can be an “enjoyable and educational experience” said a consultant in health protection for UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in a recent article on the Worcester News website.
Sarah Bird was quoted in the report warning about the essential role that hand washing must take on any such day out. Farms are obliged to provide suitable soap and running water hand washing facilities – which must be located where they are most needed on the facility she advised. It’s important to make full use of them she said.
“Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after you have had contact with animals and before eating any food will reduce the risk of infection.”
It’s very important that children should be supervised when washing to make sure that they clean their hands effectively.
Potential risks include a number of serious gastro-intestinal infections says the report, with examples given including E.coli and cryptosporidium.
Soap and water – not gels
Public Health England (PHE) in its guidance document Avoiding infection on farm visits Advice for the public reiterates the importance of washing hands with soap under running water, to help prevent the spread of illnesses that can be “particularly serious for children or pregnant women”.
It advises “Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and hot running water immediately after you have had contact with animals will reduce the risk of infection.”
It is very important not to rely on wipes or gels – even those with a high alcohol content – as they are not suitable for a farm environment says PHE.
“Hand gels or wipes are not a substitute for washing your hands with soap and hot running water.”
Stay safe on farm trips: important advice from UKHSA »
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