13 June 2024

With the warmer weather now upon us, NHS Borders is reminding the public of how best to avoid stomach bugs associated with petting zoos and farm visits.

Each year people in the Borders become unwell with bugs like cryptosporidium and E.coli after contact with livestock or zoo animals. People with weakened immune systems, the elderly and those living with chronic illnesses are most at risk from the effects of these infections and can even need to be hospitalised as a result.

These infections affect both animals and humans, leading to stomach illnesses and other health complications. While animals may not always display noticeable symptoms of illness, infected animals can pass on these bugs and contaminate the environment, subsequently posing a risk to humans.

Infections can be picked up from the animal’s body, its poo or from areas where animals have recently been. If a human then catches the infection, they can also then spread it to other people.

If visiting a farm or a zoo, the following simple rules help reduce the risk of becoming unwell:

  • Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with animals, fences, or other surfaces in animal areas, and supervise children to do likewise.
  • Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or drinking.
  • Only eating and drinking in designated picnic areas or cafes.
  • Don’t kiss animals or allow children to put their faces close to animals.

Anyone who has any symptoms of a stomach illness, such as vomiting or has diarrhoea, within two weeks of visiting a farm or zoo should contact their GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible. Although less common, if a person has bloody diarrhoea after a recent visit to a farm or zoo, they should seek immediate emergency medical attention.

People who develop stomach bugs can easily pass these on to others, and so should not attend work, school or nursery until they have been free of symptoms for at least two days. People who handle food, children under 5 years and those who work closely with medically vulnerable people should discuss with their GP or the local health protection team before returning to work, school or nursery.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, Director of Public Health at NHS Borders said: “Visits to zoos and working farms are often educational and can be great fun for families spending time together. There are also many other benefits to interacting with animals such as lowering stress, anxiety, and blood pressure, increasing physical activity and boosting your mood. It is unfortunately possible to pick up stomach bugs after being in contact with animals, although thankfully there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risks of being unwell.

“The most effective means of reducing the risk is by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and ideally hot running water immediately after you have had contact with animals. Things like wipes and hand gels are much less effective in eliminating infections such as cryptosporidium.

“It’s also really important to wash your hands immediately before eating, and to only eat in cafes or designated picnic areas away from any animals.

“Taking these straightforward steps will enable you to enjoy your day while limiting the chances of falling ill afterwards.”