Over 80 people have been left “seriously ill” after they were infected by parasites when touching animals at a petting farm.
Parents and children visiting Gannow Farm, Worcestershire, became extremely unwell after they stopped by the attraction in the Easter half term, with many complaining of sickness and diarrhoea.
Visitors to the site can cuddle with lambs and calves, though it is not clear which animal was carrying the bug.
However, many who gave a charming animal a hug have been left with less than pleasant side effects. Many have contracted cryptosporidium – a microscopic parasite which can cause gastrointestinal illness in both humans and animals.
Whilst it does not usually cause severe sickness, it can lead to long-term illnesses in children. Some youngsters still remain in hospital, over a month after their encounters.
Last month, it was revealed that 20 visitors contacted public health lawyers to investigate their cases. Now, that figure has soared to 80.
The UK Health Security Agency and Wychavon District Council has also launched a probe into the farm, which has remained shut since the claims.
One of the latest victims to come forward, Sophie Enright, a teenager from Hollywood, Birmingham, fears her exam results will take a beating due to the ordeal.
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After visiting the farm with her mother on April 3, she soon became ill with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.
She visited her GP on April 11 where she was prescribed anti-sickness medicine, and at a later stage, she was diagnosed with cryptosporidium.
Her mum Emma said: “We thought it was just a bug that would clear up but when they said it was cryptosporidium, terrible thoughts go through your mind.
“Sophie still isn’t well and she was devastated to have missed school in the run-up to her mock exams and as suffered with her mental health as a result.”
Jatinder Paul, head of the specialist public health team at Irwin Mitchell, who is supporting the families, said: “Since being initially approached by 20 people who had fallen seriously ill following visits to Gannow Farm, it's deeply concerning that over 80 people have now come forward, all with similar stories to tell of being diagnosed with cryptosporidium following their visit.
“While we welcome that the UK Health Security Agency is investigating, we’re committed to supporting our clients through what has been a terrible ordeal and securing for them the answers they deserve.
“If during the case of our investigations any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve public safety.”
In a Facebook post, the farm wrote: “We at Gannow Farm take the welfare of our visitors very seriously and for that reason we have decided to close for the remainder of the 2024 Farm Experience.
“This is a decision taken by the team and not by governing bodies however we are working closely with them as always.
“We would like to wish anyone that is poorly a speedy recovery.”
