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Farm visits and germs: How can I protect against E. coli and other bacteria?

E. coli is a dangerous bacteria that is present in animal faeces, and although the risk of E. coli poisoning is small when visiting a farmyard, it is present.

Children can pick up the E. coli bacteria, and other harmful micro-organisms from animals coats, or from the ground in their pens and around them. Once infected, the E. coli bacteria can cause your child to have fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and it can be dangerous and even deadly.

If you do take your child to a farm yard, it’s important that you remember to wash his or her hands well after contact with the animals, and that your child does not have hand to mouth contact with the animals. You should also avoid letting your child drink unpastuerised cows or goats milk on these excursions.

Don’t let your child suck a soother when near animals, or eat and drink anything immediately after touching them. Ensure that there is a hand washing station nearby, or avoid direct contact with the animals, and use an alcohol based or sanitising antibacterial wipe or liquid after your child has touched the animals. Don’t let him or her touch his face or mouth after touching the animals, and make sure that you wash your own hands carefully too.

If you have taken these precautions, but your child still gets sick, then it’s important that you contact your doctor immediately. E. coli poisoning is serious, but treatable, and the sooner you seek medical treatment, the better.

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