Number of people ill due to petting farm hits 47

A parasite infection at a farm has left 47 people ill after they took part in calf and lamb petting sessions.

An investigation was launched into the outbreak of cryptosporidium at Cowbridge Farm Shop, Vale of Glamorgan, on Wednesday, after 28 visitors contracted the infection and forced the farm to stop feeding sessions.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, often linked to contact with animals, particularly young farm animals.

Public Health Wales (PHW) said investigations were continuing but the number of cases is expected to increase again in the coming weeks due to its incubation period.

The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, nausea or vomiting, mild fever and loss of appetite and weight loss.

Vic Dobbinson, from Barry, said her eight-year-old daughter Alba suffered vomiting and diarrhoea after feeding the lambs over Easter.

Alba's symptoms came on six days after their visit, Mrs Dobbinson said, and she had to be taken out of school.

"I appreciate [visiting a farm] comes with risks but if we had been told there were cases potentially linked to this farm then we would've decided not to go," she added.

Su Mably, consultant in health protection for PHW, said: "While the infection is usually mild and self-limiting, it can be more serious in young children or people with weakened immune systems.

"We urge anyone who visited the farm and is feeling unwell to contact their GP or NHS 111."