²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Farm closes its animal experiences after visitors report sickness outbreak

Gannow Farm said it would stop its lambing, calving, piglet and alpaca experiences after a number of visitors became unwell from an illness which causes sickness and diarrhoea

clock • 1 min read
Gannow Farm said customers had reported a sickness outbreak after visiting the farm over Easter
Image:

Gannow Farm said customers had reported a sickness outbreak after visiting the farm over Easter

A farm in Worcestershire has had to close its animal experience offering after a number of visitors reported becoming unwell following a visit to the business.

Gannow Farm, in the village of Inkberrow, confirmed on April 9 that it had been contacted by a number of people informing them they had reported suffering from sickness and diarrhoea after visiting the farm over the Easter weekend.

Offering a range of educational livestock experiences where customers can get up and close with lambs and calves, the 84-acre farm said its mission had been to provide memorable and affordable opportunities for families to learn about animals, sustainable food practices and the origin of their food.

Avoiding health issues at spring turnout

Following the sickness reports, the farm said it would close for the remainder of the 2024 farm experience.

Environmental Health had diagnosed the infection on April 8 as coming from a bug called cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhoea, according to Gannow Farm.

The NHS says people are more vulnerable to contracting cryptosporidiosis directly and indirectly from another person or an animal with the illness.

Common examples include changing a nappy, petting a lamb, putting hands near or in your mouth without washing them thoroughly or indirectly from touching contaminated surfaces.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it has been made aware of the reports and will investigate the incident thoroughly by taking samples from people who visited the farm but confirmed it was 'too early' to confirm the source of the illness.

Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils said it has been made aware of the situation with officers currently in engaged discussions with the business to deal with the infection effectively.

Health risk management in suckler herds

SMART ARTICULATED LOADERS – POWERED BY KUBOTA

£±Ê°¿´¡

2017, JCB 3CX COMPACT DIGGER LOADER,

£±Ê°¿´¡

HZM 906 MINI LOADER LIFTS 600KG

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Animal Health

²ÝÁñÉçÇø urged to be vigilant as bird flu concerns mount

²ÝÁñÉçÇø urged to be vigilant as bird flu concerns mount

The Ulster ²ÝÁñÉçÇøâ€™ Union says severe outbreaks pose a risk to Northern Ireland's poultry industry

clock 06 August 2025 • 1 min read
Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm has gone down with bovine TB, but what is the disease?

Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm has gone down with bovine TB, but what is the disease?

Bovine TB has a significant impact on farmers' businesses and mental health across the country

clock 01 August 2025 • 5 min read
Clarkson's Farm confirms 'devastating' bovine TB case

Clarkson's Farm confirms 'devastating' bovine TB case

Jeremy Clarkson said one of Diddly Squat Farms' cows, which is pregnant with twins, will have to be culled after testing positive for bovine TB

clock 31 July 2025 • 1 min read