'Infection-outbreak farm had only basic sanitation'

A PUBLIC Health Wales (PHW) report into an infection outbreak linked to lamb-feeding sessions at a farm found there was “poor” sanitation which likely contributed to people becoming unwell.

- ELLIE GOSLEY

The probe into a large cryptosporidium outbreak which left more than 200 ill in spring 2024 found the farm linked to the infections had “rudimentary” hand-washing facilities, no hot water and an inadequate supply of soap, with just a “small number of signs highlighting the importance of hand washing.”

Faeces was found on the floor of the barn at the unnamed commercial farm in south Wales, despite it having recently been cleaned.

The farmer also told environmental health officers that visitors often held the lambs for prolonged periods, during which the lambs often urinated or defecated on visitors.

The findings come as the health body has advised all farmers and attractions running public lamb-feeding events to stop offering close contact with the animals, including holding, cuddling and kissing the lambs.

A leading expert at PHW has recommended that all bottle feeding should be done with visitors separated from animals by a pen.

In April and May of this year there was another significant outbreak linked to lamb-feeding sessions.

There were 89 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium among visitors to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm, Cowbridge. Of those who were ill, 16 had to stay in hospital overnight.