“Simple steps” can help everyone to enjoy safely farm and petting zoo outings
With the arrival of spring, farm and petting zoo visits will once again come into consideration for families, schools and preschools as the weather gradually warms. With this in mind, Wolverhampton City Council has recently published guidance called Stay safe when you are down on the farm this Springtime which will help ensure that visits can be safely undertaken.
The article quotes City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing Councillor Jasbir Jaspal who pointed out what a “fun activity” farms visits can be – in particular for children and families. But he warned, it is vitally important to be aware of the risks that close contact with animals can present – and how to significantly reduce them.
“When enjoying farm visits, it’s important to remember that some animals may carry germs that can be passed on to humans and cause unpleasant infections such as cryptosporidiosis, e-coli and salmonella.”
He goes on to explain how easy it is to contaminate hands by touching animal pens and fences – and of course the animals themselves: “it only takes a small amount to cause an infection.” Even worse, any infected adult or child could then easily pass on such an illness to other in the schools or family Councillor Jaspal warned.
Hand washing to the rescue!
The guidance quotes the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) who advise, according to the report,
“…always wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water immediately after contact with animals (including touching pens or fencing) and before eating or drinking – remember, hand gels and wipes do not kill these types of germs.”
And one final wash as groups leave the farm or zoo is essential it states.
“…when leaving a farm, boots, shoes and pushchair wheels should be washed, remembering to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning.”
Stay safe when you are down on the farm this Springtime »
Encourage children’s hand washing with these free downloads!
Here you will find links to a number of PDF documents that will help to educate and entertain the children in your care: they all have a hand washing theme. They are free to use and distribute for everyone. Keep coming back – more will be added from time to time!
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“Parents should also encourage their children to wash their hands by showing them how to do it, to help ensure this becomes a lifelong habit.”
Chief Nursing Officer, Scotland.
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