There has been much scaremongering about the safety of farm visits recently, so we are attempting here to shed a little light on this important subject. The main concern lately has been the risk of E. coli 0157. Certainly, although it is possible to catch this, or other less serious bugs, from farm animals, it is a rare occurrence indeed. It is important to get the problem into perspective, and then to take appropriate precautions.
The Health and Safety Executive issued revised guidelines as a result of Prof. Pennington's outburst a few years ago. They state that there is NO REASON why under-fives should not visit farms, provided suitable precautions are in force. It is worth getting a copy of their guidelines - available on-line via the Farms for Schools site, where you will also find a resumé. They stipulate the level of supervision for different age groups, which is in line with that which any prudent leader would arrange in any case.
Only a tiny proportion of E. coli infections are contracted as a result of farm visits; one serious case has blown it out of all proportion. Because it is impossible to detect the presence or absence of the bug, open farms are asked to operate as if it were present. Infection is almost always via the mouth from fingers, so we provide hand-washing facilities with bactericidal soap, and ask you to ensure that children use them properly.
HAND GEL ALONE WILL NOT PROTECT YOU.