Remember to wash your hands after visiting the farm

During the Easter break, with parents thinking of activities to keep children entertained, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding families about the importance of washing hands after visiting the farm.

All animals naturally carry a range of organisms, some of which can be transmitted to people. Some organisms which may be contracted on farms can cause illness some of which can cause severe infection, particularly in young children.

To reduce the risk of illness, both adults and children should wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water after they have handled animals or touched surfaces at the farm and always before eating or drinking.

Antibacterial hand gels and wipes are not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water. Gels and wipes may be unable to remove contamination in the way that running water can. However, using such gels after hand washing with soap and water may reduce further the risk of picking up these infections.

Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Farm animals often carry a range of organisms which can be passed to children and adults. These organisms can include serious infections such as E. coli O157 which is extremely contagious and easily passed from animals to children and then within the household.

“Hand washing with soap and water will reduce the risk of picking up these infections, which can be particularly harmful to young children. By being aware and by doing these simple things we can help to avoid illness and enjoy a fun day out.”

Visiting a farm is a very popular activity but it's important to remember that contact with farm animals carries a risk of infection, therefore parents need to supervise hand washing among their children after visiting an open farm.

Guidelines on washing hands are available from the PHA online at: www.pha.site/HandCleaning