The Joint Environmental Health Service of Bolsover District Council and North East Derbyshire District Councils are wanting to support local families by helping raise awareness about the importance of infection control when children visit petting farms.

Petting farms provide valuable educational experiences and opportunities for children to interact with animals. However, it is essential to recognise that contact with farm animals carries a small but serious risk of infections such as E. coli O157, Cryptosporidium, and other zoonotic pathogens. These infections can have serious consequences, particularly for young children.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK Health Security Agency, and the Department for Education all recommend that schools provide guidance to parents and pupils regarding good hygiene practices when visiting farms.

Key measures include:

• Thorough handwashing with soap and warm water after touching animals or their environments, and before eating. Sanitiser is not always effective, and should not replace handwashing practices.
• Avoiding hand-to-mouth contact while on the farm.
• Supervising children closely to ensure hygiene advice is followed.
• Not eating or drinking in animal contact areas.

Simple but important precautions are recommended, especially during the spring and summer months when such visits are more frequent.