Parasitic infection cases reported after trip to Welsh farm
The NHS trust revealed 28 cases of cryptosporidium infection were reported by people who attended a calf and lamb feeding and petting session at the Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm (Vale of Glamorgan).
Public Health Wales said the farm shop has voluntarily ended calf and lamb feeding and petting sessions and were 'cooperating with our investigations'.
Su Mably, consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, said: 'We are working closely with partners to investigate these cases and to understand if there is a wider risk to the public.
'We would advise anyone who has visited the farm, particularly those who attended feeding or petting sessions, and who is now experiencing symptoms to contact their GP.'
The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Vale of Glamorgan Council and Shared Regulatory Services are also investigating the cases.
The Cowbridge Farm Shop has been contacted for comment.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness.
It is often linked to contact with animals, particularly young farm animals such as calves and lambs.
A post shared by Public Health Wales (@publichealthwales)
The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include:
Symptoms typically begin between two to 10 days after contact with the parasite and can last up to two weeks.
Young children and people with weakened immune systems can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the infection.
Public Health Wales said people should be aware of the 'potential health risks' of visiting petting farms, adding that 'pregnant women should take particular care and avoid contact with newborn lambs during lambing season'.
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The health body said those visiting petting farms should follow good hygiene practices by:
Further information about cryptosporidium and advice on infection prevention is available from the NHS 111 Wales website.
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