Easter petting farms and lambing attractions pose a significant food safety risk that many families overlook, with health officials in England and Wales warning of dangerous parasite exposure during spring visits. In 2025, approximately 80 cases of cryptosporidium were recorded at a single farm in South Wales, prompting urgent public health guidance ahead of the holiday season .

What Is Cryptosporidium and Why Should You Care?

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that spreads through contact with farm animals, particularly young lambs, calves, and goats during lambing season. The infection, called cryptosporidiosis, causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps that can last up to two weeks . For young children and vulnerable populations, including elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems, the illness can become serious and require medical intervention.

Symptoms typically appear two to ten days after exposure to the parasite. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 4,149 cryptosporidium infections across England in 2025 alone, with 24 outbreaks specifically linked to lambing events and open petting farms in 2024 . This seasonal spike coincides directly with spring farm visits and Easter attractions.

How Does Cryptosporidium Spread at Petting Farms?

The parasite spreads through simple hand-to-mouth contact after touching infected animals or contaminated surfaces. What makes cryptosporidium particularly dangerous is that infected animals often appear completely healthy and clean, creating a false sense of security for visitors. Public Health Wales emphasized that the parasite is easily transmitted from young animals during lambing season, making spring farm visits especially risky .

Beyond cryptosporidium, farm environments harbor other serious pathogens. E. coli and Salmonella are commonly found on animals and surrounding surfaces, even when everything looks spotless. These bacteria can cause foodborne illness and serious complications, particularly in children and immunocompromised individuals.

"Bugs such as cryptosporidium, E. coli and Salmonella are commonly found on animals and the surfaces around them, even when they look clean. They can easily be picked up through simple hand-to-mouth contact," stated Professor Lisa McNally, director of public health for Worcestershire.

Professor Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health, Worcestershire County Council

Steps to Protect Your Family at Petting Farms and Easter Attractions

• Avoid Direct Contact: Do not pick up, cuddle, kiss, or handle lambs and other young animals during farm visits, as these animals are the primary source of cryptosporidium transmission during lambing season.
• Wash Hands Thoroughly: Use warm running water and liquid soap to wash hands immediately after touching animals, fences, or any farm surfaces; hand sanitizers and wipes are not effective substitutes for proper handwashing.
• Supervise Children Closely: Ensure children wash their hands properly after animal contact and before eating or drinking anything at the farm or attraction.
• Choose Safe Farms: Select petting farms that provide handwashing stations with hot and cold water, soap, and paper towels, and that keep lambs in enclosed pens with feeding available only from outside the enclosure.
• Avoid Feeding Animals Directly: Never allow direct hand-to-mouth feeding of animals, as this dramatically increases contamination risk.

What Should Farms Do to Reduce Infection Risks?

Farms offering public access during lambing season bear responsibility for visitor safety. Public health officials recommend that farms provide dedicated handwashing stations equipped with hot and cold water, liquid soap, and paper towels positioned throughout the facility. Keeping lambs in enclosed pens and allowing feeding only from outside the enclosure significantly reduces direct contact and contamination risk .

Staff should also educate visitors about the dangers of direct animal contact and enforce handwashing protocols. Clear signage about parasite risks and proper hygiene practices helps families understand why these precautions matter.

The Broader Food Safety Picture: Counterfeit Easter Foods

Beyond petting farm risks, health officials are warning consumers about another Easter food safety threat. Staffordshire County Council has identified a rise in food products with non-compliant labeling, missing allergen information, and unauthorized ingredients, particularly confectionery purchased from informal sellers . These products often bypass essential safety checks that protect consumers.

Counterfeit and misleading branded foods, items missing traceability details, and products with undeclared allergens pose serious risks, especially for children and individuals with food allergies. Some products lack clear English labeling entirely, making it impossible for consumers to identify ingredients or allergens.

"These foods can look harmless, but many bypass essential checks that protect consumers. Products containing unauthorized ingredients or undeclared allergens can be extremely dangerous, especially for children or anyone with food allergies. If a food item does not have clear English labeling, including an ingredient list and allergen information, our advice is simple: do not buy it and do not eat it," warned Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Staffordshire County Council.

Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, Staffordshire County Council

Where Should You Buy Easter Foods Safely?

To avoid counterfeit or unsafe Easter foods, purchase items from established retailers with verified supply chains. Avoid informal sellers such as social media platforms, pop-up shops, unverified online retailers, and street markets where product traceability cannot be confirmed. Check that all packaging includes clear English labeling with complete ingredient lists and allergen declarations. If a product lacks this information, do not purchase or consume it .

This Easter season, protecting your family requires attention to both direct farm contact and food purchasing decisions. By understanding cryptosporidium risks, enforcing proper handwashing, and choosing safe food sources, you can enjoy spring celebrations while minimizing foodborne illness exposure.