Ahead of Open Farm Sunday, Public Health Wales is urging people to take safety precautions during their visit.
They have issued a warning about the potential health risks associated with farm visits ahead of the national day on Sunday, June 8.
Animals, even healthy ones, can harbour diseases capable of causing illness in humans, including diarrhoeal diseases such as Cryptosporidium and E. coli.
These infections can trigger symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps, with some strains of E. coli potentially leading to serious complications, such as kidney damage.
Certain groups of people – pregnant women, children, elderly people, and those with health conditions affecting their immune system – are at a higher risk of becoming unwell or facing complications from these infections.
A recent Cryptosporidium outbreak linked to farm visits resulted in more than 80 confirmed cases.
Although most victims made a full recovery within two weeks, some required hospital treatment.
Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist for Public Health Wales, said: "Infection can be caught from direct contact with animals or touching things that have animal faeces (poo) on them.
"The risk of infection can be reduced by strictly following safety advice."
He urged visitors to wash their hands with hot water and soap immediately after contact with animals and before leaving the farm.
He also advised avoiding close contact with animals, such as cuddling or holding them, and refraining from eating or drinking near animals or while walking through the farm.
Mr Williams added: "The bugs can survive on clothes, shoes, and pram wheels after leaving the farm.
"So, continue hand hygiene after touching items which could be contaminated until the item has been cleaned.
"Any soiled clothes, shoes or other items should be cleaned promptly.
"Prepare for visits by wearing sensible footwear, avoiding open toe shoes.
"If you get ill after visiting a farm, contact your GP or 111.
"Ensure good hygiene to avoid passing infection to others."
To further lessen the risk of infection, visitors are encouraged to supervise children closely, ensure they wash their hands correctly, and refrain from eating or drinking near animals or while walking around the farm.
Pregnant women should be particularly vigilant and avoid contact with lambing sheep, other animals giving birth, and newborn or baby animals.
Individuals who become unwell with a diarrhoeal illness following a farm visit should not return to work, school, or nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
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