Farm owner prosecuted for disease outbreak

A farm owner has been prosecuted and fined after an outbreak of Cryptosporidium infected 264 people. The farm owner pleaded guilty to breaching s.3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £8,000.

The farm owner operated a petting farm where visitors could bottle-feed animals. This activity infected over 30% of the visitors, including children. and all attendees suffered from some symptoms. Several cases resulted in visitors being admitted to hospital for overnight stays due to prolonged or severe symptoms.

A joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified failings in the organisation of this activity. These issues included not conducting a risk assessment, offering inadequate facilities, failing to give proper instructions, and failing to implement suitable control and supervision.

Businesses should utilise the guidance provided by the HSE to ensure compliance and take the appropriate steps to prevent injury to employees and the public.