Families urged not to cuddle lambs after infection outbreak left dozens sick

Health officials are urging people not to handle lambs on farm visits this spring after an outbreak of a parasitic infection linked to farm animals last year left dozens sick.

Michael, then aged four, was among more than 80 people who fell ill with cryptosporidiosis, a stomach infection caused by the cryptosporidium parasite, linked to a petting farm in April 2025.

Michael's father, Gareth, said his young son spent four days in hospital with a fever and severe diarrhoea.

Dr Andrew Nelson, from Public Health Wales (PHW), said it was "vital to remember that young farm animals can carry germs that cause illness".

Cryptosporidiosis can cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps and can be particularly serious for young children and vulnerable groups.

Figures for last year showed more than 525 cases of cryptosporidium were confirmed by Public Health Wales scientists - 35% of those involved children under 10.

Michael held a lamb and fed it with a bottle during a visit to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan with his grandmother in April 2025.

"We'd taken him before," said Gareth, from Bridgend.

"Michael had his hands washed and sanitised immediately after, he changed his clothes when we got home."

Gareth and his partner Kate Wiejak said their son developed a fever a few days later when they were on holiday in Spain.

They took him to a medical centre thinking it could be related to the sun, pool water, or something he ate.

"They admitted him to hospital where he developed a bad fever, really bad diarrhoea. He was on a drip, he needed constant fluids, constant painkillers," said Gareth.

"It was the worst experience I've ever been through in my entire life," he recalled, adding: "We thought we'd lose him."

Michael was in hospital for four days and when the family returned to the UK, they took their son to get checked over by a GP who requested a stool sample.

Gareth said he received a call from PHW the following day to say the test had shown Michael was infected with cryptosporidium, and that there were other cases.

Following the outbreak, the farm shop voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions and cooperated fully with the investigation, PHW said last year. The BBC has approached the farm shop for comment.

"I'm not against farmers creating another income for themselves, I encourage it," said Gareth.

"It's not really the farmers' fault but even if they're taking steps it's just not ever going to be enough to eliminate the possibility.

"I would advise people not to do it at all if I'm being blunt, but I also accept most people would ignore me and have a lovely time.

"We did more than most but still caught it."

He added that although there were risks in many other settings, such as parks and playgrounds, he felt this was different because "the potential for risk is so much higher in those environments".

"Yes, loads go and possibly only a handful contract the illness but the risk to those children could be very, very serious. It's an absolute lottery.

"Michael was in good health and seeing him go through it knowing his health was tip-top I would dread to think about anyone going through that with a lowered immune system."

Following last year's outbreak, PHW has issued a warning to people who are preparing for outings to farms and petting attractions this spring.

It has set out the following precautions:

• Do not pick up lambs - avoid holding, cuddling, or kissing them. This is one of the highest risk activities for spreading infection.

• Wash hands thoroughly with warm running water and liquid soap after touching animals, fences, or surfaces. Hand gels and wipes are not effective substitutes.

• Supervise children closely, especially around handwashing and before eating or drinking.

• Avoid eating or drinking near animals and use designated areas only.

• Wear suitable clothing and footwear and clean anything that becomes soiled as soon as possible.

It has also issued guidance for farms organising events during the lambing season, including clear hygiene guidance for staff and visitors, accessible handwashing stations, keeping lambs in enclosed pens and allowing feeding only from outside the enclosure.

PHW has highlighted the work of farmers such as Colin Evans, who has run Cantref Farm near Brecon, Powys, for 20 years and said visiting farms was a "vital part" of education for children.

"We couldn't sleep at night if we didn't know we did everything to minimise the risk of visits to the farm," said Evans.

"The whole farm is designed around safe interaction with animals.

"Lambing season is a magical time, and we love sharing it with the public, but it's so important that people enjoy it safely. That's why I always encourage families to visit proper lambing experiences where everyone is protected."

Visitors can watch lambs being born and bottle feed them through the pens, but Evans said both visitors and the animals were kept safe with warm water and soap provided for handwashing afterwards.

Nelson, senior epidemiologist at PHW, said: "Lambing season is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy the countryside, but it's vital to remember that young farm animals can carry germs that cause illness.

"By avoiding close contact with lambs and practising good hand hygiene, visitors can significantly reduce the risk of infection and enjoy a safe Easter."

Anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting within two weeks of visiting a farm should contact their GP or call NHS 111, PHW said.

Those who become ill should stay away from work, school, or nursery until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.