Don't let nasty bugs ruin fun on the farm this spring in the North West

ENSURE your family trip to the farm this spring isn't ruined by nasty bugs, is the message from the UK Health Security Agency.

As the temperatures increase and the Easter holiday approaches, there is typically a rise in gastro intestinal infections such as Cryptosporidium and E.coli, which are often linked with outdoor activities such as farm visits.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging families in the North West, who might be planning a trip to the farm, to remember the importance of thoroughly washing hands after touching animals and before eating food to avoid getting bugs, which can make you seriously ill.

Dr Merav Kliner, Deputy Director UKHSA North West, said:- "Visiting a farm is a really fun day out which is an enjoyable and educational experience for many people, particularly children. However, it carries a small risk of catching infections 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. Infections can be picked up from the animal's body, its poo or from areas where animals have recently been. If the germs are on your hands, you could accidentally pass them to your mouth. You can't see the germs, so your hands may appear clean. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after you have had contact with animals and before eating food will reduce the risk of infection. Do not use gels or wipes instead of soap and water; they do not remove bugs in dirt."

Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday Manager at LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) said:- "Visiting a farm is not only a fantastic experience, it's educational too. We want people to continue to safely visit farms and the countryside. So, straight after touching animals and pens or fencing, everyone must wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean running water, and dry them. Adults should always supervise children to ensure that they wash their hands properly and grow up learning that clean hands are essential, especially before eating."

What to do when visiting a farm...

Following the simple rules listed below will help to keep you and your children safe from infections that may be found on open farms. Pregnant women need to take particular care as infections acquired from animals can be harmful to them and their unborn baby.

Remember to:-

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them, after you have touched animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas. All open farms provide handwashing facilities for visitors.
  

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them, before eating or drinking.
  

• Remove and clean boots or shoes that might have become soiled and clean pushchair wheels. Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them.
  

• Supervise children closely to ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly.

Washing your hands should take about 20 seconds; the same time that it takes to recite a single verse of:- "Old Macdonald Had a Farm."

Remember not to:-

• Eat and drink in picnic areas or cafes only.
  

• Put hands on faces or fingers in mouths while petting animals or walking round the farm.
  

• Allow children to put their faces close to animals.
  

• Eat or drink while touching animals or walking round the farm.
  

• Eat anything that has fallen on the floor.
  

• Use gels or wipes instead of washing hands with soap and water. Gels and wipes do not remove bugs in dirt.

What should I do if I feel unwell after a farm visit?

• If you or anyone in your group feels unwell or has any symptoms, for example is sick or has diarrhoea within 2 weeks of visiting a farm, contact your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible. If you or anyone in your group, particularly a young child, has bloody diarrhoea, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
  

• You should not attend:- School / childcare / work, until you have been free of sickness or diarrhoea for 2 days. If you are diagnosed with Cryptosporidium, you must not go swimming until 2 weeks after you are free of sickness or diarrhoea as the bugs are resistant to chlorine. Tests may be required to confirm that a child is free from some infections.

Anfield landlord fined for HMO breaches

A Landlord has been hit with a bill of more than £16,000 for multiple disrepair and other issues at an HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) property in Anfield.

Patrick Duggan, of 34 Arkles Lane, L4 2SP, was found guilty of breaching HMO Management Regulations and HMO licensing conditions at:- Sefton Magistrates' Court, on 25 March 2025.

Liverpool City Council's Private Sector Housing team inspected the Arkles Lane property in 2023, identifying numerous breaches of The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

These include:- issues with fire safety, structural defects with the boundary wall and multiple disrepair issues including:- damp and mould.

Mr Duggan also failed to provide relevant documentation within a specified timeframe to the Council, in breach of HMO licensing conditions.

Following a trial in January, where a magistrates' bench reviewed the facts of the case and heard evidence, District Judge James Clark sentenced Mr Duggan after he was found guilty by the bench of 12 charges.

District Judge Clark commented that Mr Duggan did have mechanisms in place with respect to the management of the building, but that they were ultimately insufficient.

The property is no longer rented out.

It is the latest case to be brought to Court by Liverpool City Council. In 2024, a total of 33 prosecutions and fines worth £342,584 were secured, and a further 11 Civil Penalty Notices were issued, with fines totalling £59,862.

Liverpool City Council's Private Sector Housing team inspected the Arkles Lane property in 2023, identifying numerous breaches of The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

These include:- issues with fire safety, structural defects with the boundary wall and multiple disrepair issues, including:- damp and mould.

Mr Duggan also failed to provide relevant documentation within a specified timeframe to the Council, in breach of HMO licensing conditions.

Following a trial in January, where a magistrates' bench reviewed the facts of the case and heard evidence, District Judge James Clark sentenced Mr Duggan after he was found guilty by the bench of 12 charges.

District Judge Clark commented that Mr Duggan did have mechanisms in place with respect to the management of the building, but that they were ultimately insufficient.

The property is no longer rented out.

To report disrepair or poor management in a privately rented home, email:- PrivateSector.Housing@Liverpool.Gov.UK or make a referral online.

To report poor property conditions or anti-social behaviour from a rental property, email:- PrivateSector.Housing@Liverpool.Gov.UK, or report it online.

For advice and to hear how to report anti social behaviour, click here.

To report fly-tipping, click here.

Councillor Sam East, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:- "Every tenant deserves to live in a property that is safe and warm, and this house was neither. We want to work with landlords to help them meet the conditions of their license, but where they won't we will take enforcement action, including:- taking cases to Court if necessary. This property really was not fit for human habitation so I am pleased that it is no longer being offered for rent. If people are concerned about breaches of HMO or landlord licensing conditions, or believe a house does not have a licence when it should do, they should let us know via our website."