Welsh parents advised against letting children cuddle sheep this Easter

This microscopic parasite, commonly found in young farm animals, triggers symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever. Children are among those most vulnerable to severe illness.

Wales recorded over 525 Cryptosporidium cases last year, with more than a third affecting children under ten.

At Cowbridge Farm Shop in the Vale of Glamorgan, more than 80 people became infected, including a four-year-old boy.

The young boy, Michael, from Bridgend, had visited the farm shop on April 11 with his grandmother while his parents prepared for a family trip to Spain.

His father, Gareth Carpenter, told the BBC that despite washing and sanitising Michael's hands straight after contact with the animals and changing his clothes upon returning home, the child fell ill three days later.

Michael spent four days in hospital requiring intravenous fluids and constant pain relief, after developing severe fever and diarrhoea.

"It was the worst experience I've ever been through in my entire life," Mr Carpenter said. "We thought we'd lose him."

Dr Andrew Nelson, a senior epidemiologist at Public Health Wales, said: "Lambing season is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy the countryside, but it's vital to remember that young farm animals can carry germs that cause illness."

He advised avoiding close contact with lambs and maintaining good hand hygiene to reduce infection risk.

Will Proto, a UK Health Security Agency consultant, warned that livestock naturally harbour Cryptosporidium, E. coli and salmonella, which spread through animal contact, droppings or contaminated surfaces such as gates and fences.

"Hand gels and wipes won't work – they don't remove the bugs found in farm dirt," Mr Proto cautioned, stressing thorough washing with soap and warm water remains essential.

Following the Cowbridge outbreak, the farm shop voluntarily halted its feeding and petting sessions and cooperated with investigators.

Public Health Wales has since published guidance for farms hosting lambing season events.

The recommendations include providing clear hygiene instructions for both staff and visitors, ensuring handwashing facilities are readily accessible, and keeping lambs within enclosed pens.

Farms are also advised to permit feeding only from outside the enclosures rather than allowing direct contact.

Mr Proto emphasised pregnant women and young children face particular risks from these infections, urging families to remain vigilant while still enjoying farm visits.

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