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• Do not put hands on faces or fingers in mouths while petting animals or walking round the farm

• Do not kiss farm animals nor allow children to put their faces close to animals

• Do not eat or drink while touching animals or walking round the farm. This includes not eating sweets, crisps or chewing gum.

• Do not eat anything that has fallen on the floor.

• Do not use gels or wipes instead of washing hands with soap and water. Gels and wipes do not remove E. coli O157 that is in dirt.

• Do wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have touched animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas.

• Do wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or drinking.

• Do wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing dirty shoes or boots that have been worn on the farm.

• Do supervise children closely to ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly.

• Do eat and drink in picnic areas or cafes only.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) have produced an advice leaflet on the subject of visiting open farms which includes actions to be taken when visiting farms and what to do if you feel unwell after a farm visit, this can be found in the related downloads section at the bottom of this page.

You can also find further information on the HPA website, you can find the link below under related sites.

Related pages on this site

Infection preventionInfection prevention and control measures in place by NHS LeedsChildren's healthInformation about NHS Leeds initiatives designed to improve children's healthMedical adviceGet medical advice fast through NHS Leeds and NHS Direct.Health A-ZNHS Leeds web page with links to further information on how tokeep healthy and recognise any potential health problems.

Related sites

Health Protection Agency

Related downloads

| Avoiding infection on farm visits.pdf (0.22 MB)