Health warnings over Easter visits to Dorset countryside
Make sure you wash your hands after contact with animals
South West health bosses are reminding people in Dorset of the health risks the countryside can pose to humans.
Illnesses such as E. coli and Salmonella can be caught if the correct steps are not taken.
Health bosses at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say they regularly see a rise in gastro-intestinal infections around this time of year.
Families visiting nature parks or farms will often encounter animals, which carry bacteria that is passed on through petting or contact with droppings.
Dominic Mellon from UKHSA South West said:
“Visiting a farm is an enjoyable and educational experience for many people, particularly children. However, visiting a farm carries a small risk of catching infection from animals or the environment.
“Farm animals can be the source of several bugs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness. Some can be particularly serious for children or pregnant women.”
People are advised to wash their hands with hot water and soap immediately after contact with animals to reduce the risk of infection.
There is also a risk of tick bites, which can cause Lyme Disease, which can be reduced by covering your arms and legs and using insect repellent when out walking.