Stay safe and well on the farm

A few simple steps can help make sure your day out to the farm stays fun and bug-free.

Animals can carry germs which can cause serious illness particularly in young children and pregnant women.

Infections can be picked up from the animal’s body, its poo or from areas where animals have recently been.

Key safety tips

Thorough handwashing with soap and warm water after touching animals or surfaces, and before eating, is the most effective way to prevent infections.
Dry your hands with paper towels.
Supervise children during handwashing and ensure it lasts around 20 seconds. Singing "Old Macdonald" with the kids helps make it fun.
Follow any farm rules or guidelines and maintain safe distances from animals to ensure your safety and the wellbeing of the animals.
Eat only in designated areas such as picnic areas or cafes.
At the end of the visit, clean your shoes/boots and pushchairs wheels, then wash hands again.
Be aware that germs can transfer to clothing if you have held animals, so wash clothes on a hot wash cycle (ideally 60C).

Touch your face or put fingers in your mouth when around animals.
Let children get too close to animals’ faces or kiss animals.
Eat or drink while walking around the farm.
Eat anything that has dropped on the ground.
Rely on hand gels or wipes, as they do not remove the bugs found on farms effectively.

If you or your children develop diarrhoea or vomiting within two weeks of the visit, contact your GP or NHS 111.

Seek urgent medical attention for bloody diarrhoea. Pregnant women are advised to take extra precautions due to risks to mother and baby. For more information, read UKHSA's guide on how to stay safe from infections carried by animals when visiting a farm.