Warning issued over lamb handling on farm visits
© Tim Scrivener Public Health Wales has warned families visiting farms this spring to avoid handling lambs after hundreds of cryptosporidium cases were recorded last year, many involving young children.
Figures from Public Health Wales (PHW) show more than 525 cases of cryptosporidium were confirmed in Wales in 2025, with 35% involving children under the age of 10.
About 80 cases were linked to a single farm in South Wales, which hit the national headlines.
See also: How a vaccine transformed crypto control for one beef system
Cryptosporidiosis is a stomach infection commonly associated with contact with farm animals.
Symptoms can include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach cramps, with young children and vulnerable individuals at greater risk of serious illness.
Health officials are advising visitors not to pick up, cuddle or kiss lambs during farm visits, identifying close contact as one of the highest-risk activities for spreading infection.
They are also urging thorough handwashing with warm running water and liquid soap after touching animals, surfaces or enclosures, noting that hand sanitisers and wipes are not effective substitutes.
Preventative measures
Farms welcoming visitors during lambing season are being asked to implement preventative measures.
These include providing clearly signposted hygiene advice, maintaining accessible handwashing facilities, keeping lambs in enclosed pens, and regularly disinfecting animal contact areas.
Any lambs showing signs of illness should be isolated.
Dr Andrew Nelson, 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.
“By avoiding close contact with lambs and practising good hand hygiene, visitors can significantly reduce the risk of infection and enjoy a safe Easter.”
Balance
At Cantref Adventure Farm, farmer Colin Evans says measures are in place to balance public access with safety.
“Lambing season is a magical time, and we love sharing it with the public, but it’s so important that people enjoy it safely,” he said.
“Visitors can watch lambs being born and even bottle feed them through the pens, all while keeping both the animals and themselves safe.”
