A farm where animals can be fed and cuddled has closed to visitors after people reported illness and diarrhea after leaving the attraction.
Ganno Farm worcestershire On Wednesday it said it had “decided to close the remainder of the 2024 Farm Experience” event, which was scheduled to run until April 21.
The decision was taken after “several people” reported feeling unwell after visiting the farm.
The farm said in a statement on Tuesday that environmental health officials had diagnosed the outbreak as Cryptosporidium parvum, a parasite most commonly seen in water, according to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and fever.
The UK Health and Safety Authority (UKHSA) advises that you can catch the virus from the faeces of an infected animal, for example by touching a lamb and then putting your hands to your mouth without washing your hands first.
An email request from Sky News for comment on the closure received an automated response stating “Gannow Farm 2024 Experience is now closed and all future bookings will be refunded as soon as possible”.
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A spokesman for the farm wrote in a statement on Facebook: “This is a decision made by the team, not the governing body, but we are working closely with them as always.
“We wish anyone who is experiencing medical conditions a speedy recovery.”
However, people who commented on the post did not appear to be blocking future visits. “Your hand washing facilities are better than what I’ve seen on most farms, I guess it has to do with the type of work you do, you can’t avoid it but you can only try to prevent it,” one person wrote. “Rest assured that this It’s not going to stop us from coming year after year.”
One tourist said two of their family members got sick, but added: “I thoroughly enjoyed our experience and would definitely consider visiting again as this could happen anywhere.”
To avoid contracting Cryptosporidium, the UKHSA advises: “You should pay special attention to hygiene when visiting farms, wash your hands after coming into contact with animals and only eat in designated areas.”
A spokesperson for the UKHSA said: “UKHSA West Midlands experts are working with Worcestershire County Council following reports that some visitors have experienced symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting after visiting Gann Farm in Worcestershire. cooperate.”
“Samples have been collected and sent for analysis and we will not be able to confirm the cause until we receive results back from the laboratory.”
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