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Shropshire Council Health Protection Team is writing to all Animal Farm Visitor Attractions within the county to provide useful Public Health Advice and guidance to help manage the risks of zoonotic diseases.
As the Easter Holidays fast approach many families shall be visiting farm attractions, to experience the indoor and outdoor activities offered to the public, including viewing pets and farm animals. This provides a fantastic opportunity for the public to spend time in the county visiting local businesses and farms, as well as the rich educational benefits it brings to the young, to learn about farming and agriculture. It is our collective aim that all visitors have an enjoyable and safe experience, especially mitigating the risks of zoonotic diseases from livestock and small pets, such as; Cryptosporidiosis, Campylobacter Infection, Shiga Toxin producing E.coli (STEC) and Salmonellosis.
Parish events, such as Fetes, shows and other such activities and outdoor events are additional locations where the public may come into contact with pets and farm animals. Therefore, we take the opportunity to remind all event organisers of their legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Management Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and Control of Hazardous Substances to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, to have in place, suitable and sufficient risk assessments, and appropriate infection control procedures to protect the public from infectious diseases. The following guidance is provided, to assist you in achieving legal compliance and risk management controls.
HSE Preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions or open farms: https://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/visitor-attractions.htm
The Industry Code of Practice Version 3 - https://visitmyfarm.org/resources/code-of-practice (This free downloadable Code of Practice document provides guidance, including pictures, of practical measures that you can apply at your premises to help you comply with the law and keep visitors safe. The examples are from businesses, ranging from conventional farms that open to the public for one day a year to attractions that may cater for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year)
Further information on zoonoses – infections that spread from animals to humans: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/zoonotic-diseases-zoonoses-gui...
Public Advice Resources:
Advice for pregnant women on infections that can be transmitted via contact with animals that are or have recently given birth: gov.uk/guidance/pregnancy-advice-on-contact-with-animals-that-are-giving-birth
UKSHA Public Advice - https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/02/how-to-stay-safe-from-infections-ca...
Please find attached the Shropshire Council Public Health Information Leaflet, which you are free to display at your venue or can transcribe onto your own leaflets or website.
We hope you find these information resources helpful to manage the health and safety risks for any events where applicable.
Kind Regards
Health Protection Team
Regulatory Services
Public Health
Shropshire Council
Tel: 0345 678 9067
Email: food@shropshire.gov.uk
