Gannow Farm said customers had reported a sickness outbreak after visiting the farm over Easter
A farm in Worcestershire has had to close its animal experience offering after a number of visitors reported becoming unwell following a visit to the business.
Gannow Farm, in the village of Inkberrow, confirmed on April 9 that it had been contacted by a number of people informing them they had reported suffering from sickness and diarrhoea after visiting the farm over the Easter weekend.
Offering a range of educational livestock experiences where customers can get up and close with lambs and calves, the 84-acre farm said its mission had been to provide memorable and affordable opportunities for families to learn about animals, sustainable food practices and the origin of their food.
Avoiding health issues at spring turnout
Following the sickness reports, the farm said it would close for the remainder of the 2024 farm experience.
Environmental Health had diagnosed the infection on April 8 as coming from a bug called cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhoea, according to Gannow Farm.
The NHS says people are more vulnerable to contracting cryptosporidiosis directly and indirectly from another person or an animal with the illness.
Common examples include changing a nappy, petting a lamb, putting hands near or in your mouth without washing them thoroughly or indirectly from touching contaminated surfaces.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it has been made aware of the reports and will investigate the incident thoroughly by taking samples from people who visited the farm but confirmed it was 'too early' to confirm the source of the illness.
Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils said it has been made aware of the situation with officers currently in engaged discussions with the business to deal with the infection effectively.
