Latest news with #OpenFarmSunday
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
190,000 warned they could fall ill on Sunday following multiple outbreaks
Mass events on Sunday could see people fall ill unless they take precautions, the UKHSA has warned People planning on attending events this weekend have been warned to avoid a nasty parasitic infection that causes serious stomach upset - vomiting and diarrhoea. 190,000 people are expected to visit farms on Sunday for the UK's Open Farm Sunday event and the UKLHSA says there is a risk of infection. Hundreds of people have fallen ill with cryptosporidium after 17 outbreaks last year and another that saw dozens fall ill in Wales earlier this year. Crypto causes painful stomach cramps as well as vomiting and diarrhoea, and is spread through contact with animals or by touching surfaces that have animal faeces on them. Everyone is at risk, but the bug is particularly bad for pregnant women, young people, the elderly and anyone who is already ill with a suppressed immune system. Public Health Wales say 89 people have so far fallen ill in one outbreak - linked to visiting Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan . The BBC says Emily Fryer's six-year-old son Isaac was hospitalised after falling ill following a visit to a farm in Worcestershire last year. She said: "He didn't eat or drink for about five days. He just slept all the time. His sugars were dangerously low and they admitted him. Obviously, I was really worried then. Because he is autistic and non-verbal, we didn't really know how we could help him." According to the BBC, o n one farm in Wales, linked to a number of outbreaks, inspectors found sick animals kept on display and a lack of handwashing facilities, risk assessments and staff training. Another farm failed to implement recommendations from a previous inspection, which led to another outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, while third farm, due to host a school visit a few days after inspection, was found to be failing. Both Public Health Wales and the UK Health Security Agency have warned the estimated 190,000 visitors who will be visiting the 250 farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday this weekend to make sure they take basic hygiene measures - including thoroughly washing hands . Jo Hatton, an education specialist for organisers of the open farm event LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming ), said: "We are supporting farmers to open their farms and with their risk assessments. We are on the phone with farmers checking in with them throughout the planning process and helping them to understand how to ensure that that visit goes smoothly and everyone goes home happy and healthy." The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said that the health and safety of farm visitors was "taken extremely seriously". To keep yourself safe from Cryptosporidium during a farm visit in the UK, follow these key precautions: 1. Hand Hygiene Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after: Touching animals or their surroundings Handling boots, clothing, or equipment used on the farm Before eating, drinking, or smoking After using the toilet Avoid using alcohol-based hand sanitisers alone – they are not effective against Cryptosporidium. 2. Avoid Hand-to-Mouth Contact Do not eat, drink, smoke, or put fingers in your mouth while on the farm, especially in animal areas. 3. Supervise Children Closely Ensure young children are kept under close watch. Help them wash their hands properly, especially after touching animals or equipment and before eating. 4. Use Designated Eating Areas Only eat and drink in areas specifically set aside for food, away from animal contact zones. 5. Wear Appropriate Clothing Wear waterproof boots and clothes suitable for a farm environment. Remove and clean clothing and footwear after the visit to avoid bringing contamination home. 6. Stay Clear of Sick Animals Avoid touching any animals that appear unwell, as they may be more likely to carry the parasite. 7. Report Illness If you or a family member develops diarrhoea within a few days after visiting a farm, especially if it persists, seek medical advice and mention the farm visit.
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Hundreds of farmers to open gates for Open Farm Sunday
Hundreds of farmers will open their gates this weekend as part of an event designed to showcase the world of farming to the wider public. Open Farm Sunday is organised by Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF), a charity that promotes more sustainable farming to create a resilient food system for future its 19th year approaches, those in the industry say they feel there is a "disconnect between people and food".Annabel Shackleton, LEAF's Open Farm Sunday manager, said the event was all about "breaking down barriers, challenging outdated perceptions, and showing everyone just how innovative, diverse and forward-looking farming really is". David Jones, project manager at The Woodlands Farm Trust in Welling, said the open day shows "how farming plays a part in sustainable living".He said: "There was some recent research about how disconnected young people were with agriculture so I think it's important that they have the opportunity to come out and see for themselves what happens on a day-to-day basis on the farm." This research, based on a survey of 2,019 respondents, found that just one in five people believe farming is essential to tackling climate were also some interesting findings among the Gen Z demographic 90% of those adults agree that farming is relevant to their lives, 37% of this group believe you have to be born into a farming family to work in the industry - a belief that is considered works at Chandler and Dunn farm in Canterbury in Kent, which has been run by his family for over 200 said: "I have a real enjoyment when the public come on to the farm and connect with nature and embrace the countryside."He added it was a "real privilege to share farm with local community". Charlie hopes the open day will inspire the next generation of added: "We have a family farm here and are keen to have youngsters who want to learn."It's a free day with tractor and trailer rides."Any food and drink and profits raised will go to the local charity Scope."
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Vale of Clwyd MS praises 'life-changing' Rhyl organisation
Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies has described the work of RCS (Rhyl City Strategy) as 'incredible and life-changing' following a recent visit to the organisation's site in Rhyl. During his visit, Mr Davies met with chief executive Ali Thomas to hear how the not-for-profit group is helping people overcome barriers to employment. Mr Davies said: "I was genuinely inspired by what I saw at RCS, which is exactly the kind of positive, people-first work we need more of in North Wales. "By supporting individuals with complex needs into meaningful employment and showing businesses how to become more inclusive, RCS is tackling the root causes of inequality in an intelligent and compassionate way. "I'd like to thank RCS for welcoming me, and I'd urge legislators to listen to organisations like RCS who understand our area and make a real difference to people's lives." He also praised RCS's efforts to raise employer awareness about the value of a diverse workforce, especially as opportunities grow in the green economy and renewable energy sectors. RCS, a community interest company with more than 18 years of experience, operates across Wales and focuses on breaking down the barriers between health and employment. The organisation supports individuals with long-term health conditions and helps employers build more inclusive workplaces. Its latest project, funded by a £3 million grant from the Dormant Assets Fund, aims to open pathways into green careers for underrepresented groups. This includes young people, individuals with disabilities or neurodiversity, and ethnic minority communities. RCS is working with partners in the area to deliver the scheme and ensure it brings lasting benefits. Mr Davies also welcomed the organisation's ongoing commitment to Rhyl, calling it a model of community-led transformation. READ MORE: Public Health Wales issue advice and warning ahead of Open Farm Sunday During his visit, he discussed broader priorities for Rhyl, including creating spaces for young people, the role of small businesses in regeneration, and shifting the town's narrative from decline to progress. He pledged to help ensure organisations like RCS have a greater voice in local decision-making, including through the Rhyl Town Board. RCS's work, he said, is helping to build a stronger, healthier economy where opportunity is inclusive and support is tailored to individual needs.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Farm day visitors warned over Cryptosporidium parasite threat
Tens of thousands of visitors due to attend a UK-wide open farm day this weekend have been warned about a parasitic infection that causes serious gastrointestinal illness. There were 17 outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis linked to farms in England and Wales in 2024 and an outbreak in south Wales earlier this year has seen dozens of people fall ill. According to inspection reports from the past five years - released to the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act - some farms repeatedly ignored health inspectors' advice and allowed children to handle sick animals in filthy pens. The organisers of Open Farm Sunday, which sees 190,000 visitors, said its farms have high health and safety standards. Cryptosporidium can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea and is spread through direct contact with animals or touching surfaces that have animal faeces on them. The young, pregnant women and those with health conditions which affect their immune system can be particularly vulnerable. Public Health Wales said individual cases of cryptosporidiosis linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, this spring had now risen to 89 people. In England, one of those affected after a farm visit was Emily Fryer's six-year-old son Isaac. He was admitted to hospital after falling ill following a visit to Gannow Farm in Worcestershire last year. Mrs Fryer told the BBC: "He didn't eat or drink for about five days. He just slept all the time. His sugars were dangerously low and they admitted him. "Obviously, I was really worried then. Because he is autistic and non-verbal, we didn't really know how we could help him." Mrs Fryer said the family had taken hygiene seriously when they visited the farm and had washed their hands thoroughly using facilities provided on site. A year earlier the farm had been issued with a prohibition notice by the Health and Safety Executive because it was failing to prevent or control the risk of exposure to cryptosporidium. Those issues were dealt with and the farm was licensed to show animals to the public in 2024. Mrs Fryer said she was disappointed that the farm had been allowed to reopen to visitors. "I just think it's awful," she said. The owners of the farm, which has now stopped its open days, declined to comment when approached by the BBC but have previously said they had "made every precaution possible" to prevent an outbreak. Many farms across the UK have had to diversify their businesses over recent years to boost their profitability, with public open days, petting farms and play barns becoming an important source of income. But inspection reports released to the BBC under the Freedom Information Act by the UK's national cryptosporidium reference unit show that a small number of farms are not meeting health and safety standards - and, in extreme cases, are ignoring warnings from inspectors. On one farm in Wales, which was linked to a number of outbreaks, inspectors found sick animals kept on display and a lack of handwashing facilities, risk assessments and staff training. According to reports, the inspectors told the farm those failings were "consistent with those identified previously. This indicates you are failing to maintain the required improvements from one season to the next". Another farm visited in 2023 had also failed to implement recommendations from a previous inspection, which led to another outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, while another farm, due to host a school visit a few days after inspection, was found to be failing. "Comparing current visit to last year found the conditions worse," the report noted. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the 16 outbreaks in England last year was a provisional figure and data analysis due to be published later in the month may see that rise. Both Public Health Wales and the UKHSA have warned the estimated 190,000 visitors who will be visiting the 250 farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday this weekend to make sure they take basic hygiene measures. Jo Hatton, an education specialist for organisers of the open farm event LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), said all its participating farmers were given advice and training on how best to keep visitors safe. "We are supporting farmers to open their farms and with their risk assessments. We are on the phone with farmers checking in with them throughout the planning process and helping them to understand how to ensure that that visit goes smoothly and everyone goes home happy and healthy," she explained. One farm manager who says he is ensuring the highest health and safety standards for visitors on Sunday is Andy Bason, who will be welcoming around 2,000 visitors onto Newhouse Farm, Alresford, Hampshire. He said LEAF's health and safety training had "really opened my eyes to what's needed to host this kind of event". "With the kind of numbers we see, it is a huge task. We want everyone to come here, have a great day and go home safe without any illness," he explained. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said that the health and safety of all visitors to farms was "taken extremely seriously". Number of people ill from petting farm hits 89 Infection causes girl to lose half her body weight Family attraction confirms outbreak of sickness bug
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Cryptosporidium: open farm day visitors warned over parasite risk
Tens of thousands of visitors due to attend a UK-wide open farm day this weekend have been warned about a parasitic infection that causes serious gastrointestinal were 17 outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis linked to farms in England and Wales in 2024 and an outbreak in south Wales earlier this year has seen dozens of people fall to inspection reports from the past five years - released to the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act - some farms repeatedly ignored health inspectors' advice and allowed children to handle sick animals in filthy organisers of Open Farm Sunday, which sees 190,000 visitors, said its farms have high health and safety standards. Cryptosporidium can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea and is spread through direct contact with animals or touching surfaces that have animal faeces on them. The young, pregnant women and those with health conditions which affect their immune system can be particularly Health Wales said individual cases of cryptosporidiosis linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, this spring had now risen to 89 England, one of those affected after a farm visit was Emily Fryer's six-year-old son was admitted to hospital after falling ill following a visit to Gannow Farm in Worcestershire last Fryer told the BBC: "He didn't eat or drink for about five days. He just slept all the time. His sugars were dangerously low and they admitted him. "Obviously, I was really worried then. Because he is autistic and non-verbal, we didn't really know how we could help him." Mrs Fryer said the family had taken hygiene seriously when they visited the farm and had washed their hands thoroughly using facilities provided on site. A year earlier the farm had been issued with a prohibition notice by the Health and Safety Executive because it was failing to prevent or control the risk of exposure to cryptosporidium. Those issues were dealt with and the farm was licensed to show animals to the public in Fryer said she was disappointed that the farm had been allowed to reopen to visitors."I just think it's awful," she owners of the farm, which has now stopped its open days, declined to comment when approached by the BBC but have previously said they had "made every precaution possible" to prevent an farms across the UK have had to diversify their businesses over recent years to boost their profitability, with public open days, petting farms and play barns becoming an important source of inspection reports released to the BBC under the Freedom Information Act by the UK's national cryptosporidium reference unit show that a small number of farms are not meeting health and safety standards - and, in extreme cases, are ignoring warnings from one farm in Wales, which was linked to a number of outbreaks, inspectors found sick animals kept on display and a lack of handwashing facilities, risk assessments and staff training. According to reports, the inspectors told the farm those failings were "consistent with those identified previously. This indicates you are failing to maintain the required improvements from one season to the next". Another farm visited in 2023 had also failed to implement recommendations from a previous inspection, which led to another outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, while another farm, due to host a school visit a few days after inspection, was found to be failing."Comparing current visit to last year found the conditions worse," the report noted. 'Huge task' The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the 16 outbreaks in England last year was a provisional figure and data analysis due to be published later in the month may see that Public Health Wales and the UKHSA have warned the estimated 190,000 visitors who will be visiting the 250 farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday this weekend to make sure they take basic hygiene Hatton, an education specialist for organisers of the open farm event LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), said all its participating farmers were given advice and training on how best to keep visitors safe."We are supporting farmers to open their farms and with their risk assessments. We are on the phone with farmers checking in with them throughout the planning process and helping them to understand how to ensure that that visit goes smoothly and everyone goes home happy and healthy," she farm manager who says he is ensuring the highest health and safety standards for visitors on Sunday is Andy Bason, who will be welcoming around 2,000 visitors onto Newhouse Farm, Alresford, said LEAF's health and safety training had "really opened my eyes to what's needed to host this kind of event"."With the kind of numbers we see, it is a huge task. We want everyone to come here, have a great day and go home safe without any illness," he National Farmers' Union (NFU) said that the health and safety of all visitors to farms was "taken extremely seriously".
