Over 70 People Infected with Parasite and 16 Hospitalized After Visiting Animal Farm

What started as a family-friendly trip to a petting zoo has turned into a public health scare in Wales, where more than 70 people have now fallen ill after visiting a popular Cowbridge farm.

According to Public Health Wales, at least 74 visitors have been infected with cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite known to cause severe diarrhea. Sixteen people have been hospitalized so far. The outbreak has been linked to animal feeding activities, particularly interactions with young farm animals like lambs and calves.

Cryptosporidium is spread through contact with contaminated water, food, soil, or surfaces — including those exposed to infected animal waste. The parasite is notoriously tough and can survive in the environment for long periods.

After the outbreak, Cowbridge farm voluntarily shut down all public animal feeding sessions. In a Facebook post, the farm cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the sudden closure and offered full refunds to those who had already booked experiences.

Parents are now speaking out. Vic Dobbinson told the BBC that her 8-year-old daughter, Alba, got sick shortly after feeding lambs at the farm over Easter. “She had vomiting and diarrhea. I appreciate that visiting a farm comes with risks, but if we had been warned, we wouldn’t have gone,” Dobbinson said.

Public health officials began investigating the outbreak in late April. Initially, 27 cases were identified — a number that has nearly tripled due to the parasite’s incubation period. Symptoms can appear anywhere from two to ten days after exposure and may last up to two weeks.

Dr. Su Mably of Public Health Wales emphasized the importance of hand hygiene, especially before eating or preparing food. “While cryptosporidium usually clears up on its own, it can lead to more serious illness in children and those with weakened immune systems,” she said. “It can also be spread from person to person, especially in households.”

The investigation into the source and scope of the outbreak is ongoing, and the farm continues to cooperate with health authorities.

Anyone who recently visited the farm and is feeling unwell is urged to contact their doctor.