Skip the NI Direct Bar

Preventing Ill Health at Open Farms

Preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions

HSENI, in conjunction with District Councils, under our joint strategy, has published guidance on: "Preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions", HSENI Information Sheet NO.1/11. The guidance supersedes HSE publication AIS 23 "Avoiding Ill Health on Open Farms".

The information contained within the guidance is aimed at owners and managers of visitor attractions who have legal duties under health and safety legislation as "duty holders".

It describes the measures duty holders should take to protect visitors including:

  • establishing premises layout and routes;
  • defining, segregating and clearly identifying animal contact areas;
  • defining, segregating and clearly identifying non-animal contact areas;
  • defining, segregating and clearly identifying eating and play areas;
  • providing adequate and suitable washing facilities;
  • providing visitor information;
  • providing information and signs for visitors;
  • providing training and supervision of staff;
  • establishing livestock management procedures; including management of bedding: and sick/pregnant/stressed animals and veterinary input; and
  • controlling manure/run-off and compost heaps.

The guidance also includes a supplement which provides advice to teachers and others who organise visits for children by highlighting key precautions to be taken.

This guidance can be downloaded here.

Further guidance can be sought from either HSENI or your District Council.