The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says although a farm visit is a good way to entertain children, it carries a risk of picking up harmful infections.

Farm animals naturally carry bugs including cryptosporidium, E.coli and salmonella, which can be passed to humans through direct contact with animals, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces like fences and gates.

Some of these infections can be very serious, particularly for young children and pregnant women.

In 2024, there were 526 reported cases of cryptosporidium in the East of England, says the........

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