Visits to farms can present particular issues in relation to health. Animals naturally carry a range of micro-organisms, some of which can be transmitted to humans, in whom they may cause ill health and which in some cases may be severe or life threatening. These are referred to as zoonotic diseases and commonly include E.coli O157 and cryptosporidium.
The following sources of information will provide Visit Leaders with what they need to know before farm visits and what precautions they can take to stay safe. Visit Leaders should also refer to their Employer’s policy:
- Information on preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions or open farms can be found on the HSE website.46 A ‘Code of Practice’ along with a summary of controls and a teacher’s supplement is available at the Visitmyfarm website.47 (AIS23: ‘Preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions’ has been withdrawn)
- Farmwise – Health and Safety Executive MISC16548
- Guidelines for Farm Visits49 – The Royal Highland Education Trust If any child or member of the group shows signs of illness (i.e. sickness or diarrhoea) after a visit, advise them or their parent/guardian to visit the doctor and explain that they have had recent contact with animals.
