HomeOpen farm visits
Visiting an open farm or agricultural show is a fun and educational way to get children out in the spring and summer months. If you don’t get a chance to visit one, farm staff sometimes bring a selection of animals along to local schools, community groups and shopping centres.
But, sometimes on these visits children can come into contact with bacteria such as E. coli O157 (often referred to simply as E-coli) and other germs.
Pregnant women need be particularly careful and should especially avoid contact with lambs and their droppings.
Here are a few simple dos and don’ts to help you enjoy your visit and keep you and your children safe.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have touched animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas
- Remove and clean boots or shoes that might have become soiled and clean pushchair wheels (washing your hands thoroughly afterwards)
- Supervise children closely to make sure they wash their hands thoroughly; and
- Eat and drink in picnic areas only.
- Don’t use gels or wipes instead of washing hands with soap and water. Gels and wipes do not remove E. coli that is in dirt.
- Don’t put hands on faces or fingers in mouths while petting animals or walking round the farm.
- Never kiss farm animals or allow children to put their faces close to animals.
- Do not eat or drink anything (including sweets, crisps or chewing) while touching animals or walking round the farm.
