The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning to families about appropriate footwear ahead of the May bank holiday, as many households plan visits to farms. The guidance aims to prevent infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, nausea, and body aches.
Key Advice on Footwear
Officials strongly recommend avoiding open-toed shoes when visiting farms. After the visit, boots or shoes should be removed and cleaned, along with pushchair wheels. Hands must be washed thoroughly with liquid soap and warm running water afterwards.
General Hygiene Recommendations
The UKHSA stresses the importance of handwashing: use liquid soap and warm running water immediately after contact with animals or their environments. Hands should be dried with paper towels. Hand gels or wipes are not effective substitutes for the types of germs found on farms.
- Follow farm rules and maintain safe distances from animals.
- Wash hands after touching animals, fences, or surfaces.
- If an animal licks you or something splashes your face, wash with soap and water.
- Supervise children closely to ensure proper handwashing.
- Only eat and drink in designated picnic areas or cafes.
- Feed animals only with specialised feed provided by the farm.
What to Avoid
- Touching your face or mouth while petting animals or walking around.
- Kissing or putting your face close to farm animals.
- Eating or drinking while touching animals or walking around the farm.
- Eating anything that has fallen on the floor.
- Using sanitising gels or wipes instead of handwashing.
Additional Precautions
If you have held or had contact with an animal, wash clothing at 60°C for 30 minutes upon returning home. Vulnerable groups—including young children, pregnant women, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals—should take particular care, as infections can be more serious. Pregnant women should be aware of risks to their unborn baby.
Post-Visit Health Monitoring
If anyone develops diarrhoea or vomiting within two weeks of a farm visit, contact a GP or call NHS 111. Seek emergency care for bloody diarrhoea, especially in vulnerable individuals. Anyone with symptoms should stay away from work, school, or nursery until symptom-free for at least 48 hours. Food handlers, children under five, and those working with vulnerable people should consult a GP before returning.
