Family attraction confirms outbreak of sickness bug

The parasite confirmed at the farm is spread through people and animals via faeces

A family attraction in Worcestershire has confirmed an outbreak of a sickness bug following reports from members of the public that they became unwell after visiting.

Gannow Farm in Inkberrow, near Alcester, said in a statement issued on Tuesday that Environmental Health officers had diagnosed the outbreak as Cryptosporidium.

According to the NHS, the bug is a parasite that causes an infection to both people and farm animals.

A spokesperson for the farm said the venue was "deeply saddened" by the reports of people's sickness and added it had "made every precaution possible" to prevent such an outbreak.

'Truly devastated'

The spokesperson explained: "We are truly devastated people are poorly and wish them the very best recovery.

"Please be kind to the staff as they have all worked so hard to make this year enjoyable and safe as possible for you all."

They also stated that Gannow Farm had requested an urgent visit by Environmental Health to assess the attraction and establish a root cause.

The venue said it was closing for the remainder of its Farm Experience 2024 season, with refunds issued for tickets bought for the next two weekends.

The most common symptom of Cryptosporidium is diarrhoea but other warning signs include dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told the BBC in a statement: "UKHSA is working with Worcestershire Regulatory Services to investigate reports of diarrhoea and vomiting in people who visited an open farm in Worcestershire over the Easter weekend.

"Samples have just been collected to send off for analysis, it is therefore too early to confirm the source of illness."

Bromsgrove District & Redditch Borough Councils said: “The matter has been brought to our attention and our officers are engaged with the business.”

Cryptosporidium is spread directly from another person or animal by touching material that has come into contact with faeces, for example when changing a nappy or petting an animal and then putting hands near your mouth without washing them thoroughly.

Most people with healthy immune systems can recover without treatment by making sure they drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. The NHS recommends those with the illness to avoid alcohol and to take simple painkillers to help with abdominal cramps.

One visitor posted on Facebook: "My son got ill about five days after the farm visit as did my friend's son."

Although she did not state when they visited, she said she was awaiting results from a stool sample to confirm what the illness was.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [e-mail]