PEOPLE visiting petting farms and zoos in Worcestershire and beyond have been reminded not to let stomach bugs spoil their fun.

Experts from UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) West Midlands are urging people to take care and practice correct hand hygiene to avoid nasty stomach bugs when visiting animal attractions such as petting farms and zoos.

Many animals can carry parasites and germs that can make people ill – with young children and pregnant women being especially vulnerable to the effects of bugs such as E. coli O157 or Cryptosporidium.

The UKHSA generally see an increase in these stomach bugs at times of the year when children are handling animals and feeding lambs at petting farms.

Paul Fisher, health protection consultant leading on environmental issues for UKHSA West Midlands, said: “Thousands of people in the West Midlands region go to animal attractions each year.

"Visiting a farm is a fun day out, which is enjoyable and educational, particularly for children. However, animals can be the source of several bugs that can be passed to humans and cause stomach pains, sickness and diarrhoea – with some infections particularly serious for children or pregnant women. 

"While the number of people who become ill is proportionally quite small, many cases could be avoided by practicing the correct hand hygiene.

“Infections can be picked up from the animal’s body, its poo or from areas where animals have recently been.

"If the germs are on your hands, you could accidentally pass them to your mouth. You can’t see the germs, so your hands may appear clean. Even if you’ve not been touching the animals themselves, you may have touched fences or other surfaces in areas with animals or sat on and touched grass that is contaminated.

"It only takes a small number of the bacteria to cause infection, and once infected, you can pass the bugs on to other people, who may also become unwell.

“Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after you’ve had contact with animals and before eating or drinking will reduce the risk of infection.

"Don’t use gels or wipes instead of soap and water, as these are not a substitute for washing your hands.

"Farms provide hand washing facilities, so we encourage people to make use of these to ensure the only things you take away from your visit are happy memories.”