Public Health Wales is reminding people who visit farm-based attractions of the importance of washing their hands after contact with animals.

Open farms, farm parks ,agricultural shows and rescue centres are all popular bank holiday attractions but it’s important that visitors are aware of the infection risks associated with livestock.

Infectious diseases such as E. coli O157, Cryptosporidiosis, Q fever, Listeriosis and Toxoplasmosis can be passed from sheep, cows, goats and other livestock to humans through contact with infected faeces and other body fluids. Infection can also be passed on from animal bedding and fencing or by stroking their fur.

These infections often produce no signs at all in animals but may cause illness in humans, the most common being diarrhoea and vomiting.

Robert Smith, Clinical Scientist (Zoonoses), at Public Health Wales said: "Animal petting and lambing events are popular with families and they are a great way to see more of the countryside and experience working life on a farm.

"However, it is important that everyone follows good hygiene advice to limit the transmission and spread of infectious diseases. Good hand washing after coming into contact with farm animals, their bedding or dirty equipment or clothing is of the utmost importance in preventing infection.

"Although the number of people seriously affected by contact with farm animals is low, it is important that everyone, especially parents of younger children and pregnant women, is aware of the potential risks."

Simple hygiene precautions to remember include:

Check the hygiene facilities at the farm - there should be good hand washing facilities with hot water, soap and paper towels

Hand gels are not a substitute for soap and water

Wash hands with soap and hot water immediately after touching animals, their fencing, flooring or bedding

Eat only in designated areas, and only after washing hands

Throw away any food or drink which has been dropped on the ground

Outdoor picnic tables may be contaminated with bird droppings

Do not eat or drink while touching animals or walking round the farm

Ensure that children are closely supervised, and that they wash their hands properly

Avoid putting fingers in mouths or touching faces while petting animals or walking around the farm

Avoid kissing farm animals and don’t allow children to put their faces close to animals

Take particular care if pregnant, avoiding contact with farm animals and their droppings

If possible to do so, clean contaminated footwear and pushchair wheels thoroughly before leaving the farm and wash your hands immediately afterwards

Always read and follow the notices and signage on the farm

Pregnant women or those with an underlying health condition are also advised not to help lamb or milk ewes.

All people should contact their GP if they experience diarrhoea, fever or flu-like symptoms if they are concerned that they could have acquired an infection from a farm environment.

Further information is available from the Public Health England website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farm-visits-avoiding-infection

The Visit My Farm website is an information hub for farmers hosting school visits

and for teachers arranging school visits to farms: http://www.visitmyfarm.org/component/k2/item/339-industry-code-of-practice

More information on diseases spread from animals to humans is available from Public Health Wales: