Open farms
All animals naturally carry a range of micro-organisms, which may be transmitted to humans and so people can become infected through consuming contaminated food or drink, through direct contact with contaminated animals, or by contact with an environment contaminated with animal faeces.
Control measures
A number of essential control measures can help reduce the risk of people especially children, becoming infected through contact with faeces and faecal material.
HSENI reminds primary school pupils of the importance of washing their hands after being in contact with animals during farm visits.
Hand washing with soap and warm water is the only effective way of killing potentially dangerous germs such as E.coli which can be prevalant on any farm. Whilst the hazards from infection resulting from a farm visit are real, the risks are readily controlled by simple every day measures such as washing your hands.
Guidance on visiting open farms
All Animals naturally carry a range of micro-organisms, some of which can be transmitted to humans, in whom they may cause ill health. Examples include, E coli 0157 or Cryptosporidium parvum.
People can become infected through consuming contaminated food or drink, through direct contact with contaminated animals, or by contact with an environment contaminated with animal faeces.
A number of essential control measures can help reduce the risk of people especially children, becoming infected through contact with faeces and faecal material.