Open or Petting Farms

It is recognised that the risks of infection from E. coli 0157 presented by ruminating or cud chewing animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer, at open farms cannot be completely eliminated. However, it is envisaged that these risks can be significantly reduced through increasing awareness amongst both businesses and the public, as well as encouraging the practise of sensible control measures.

As an enforcing authority responsible for the inspection of open farms we have been requested to circulate guidance to all open farm proprietors or event organisers of petting farms within Elmbridge Borough Council.

Sensible control measures

Petting Farm

• Locate petting farm away from any food areas but where there is access to running water and an electrical supply. i.e. avoid placing petting farm where it is on route to a food premises/stall.
• Provide running water, we strongly recommend this is hot water to encourage thorough hand washing, provide soap (ideally antibacterial liquid soap) and single use paper hand towels
• Where there is not a permanent hand washbasin within the area where the petting farm is located you will be required to hire/invest in a mobile hand washing unit. Provisions must be made to empty and refill the unit throughout the day. It is important to research the capacity of the hand-washing unit so that it is adequate for the purpose
• Clear signs must be put up in strategic places that emphasise that there is a risk of illness, as animals carry organisms including E.Coli 0157 and of the importance of washing hands.
• Hand washing must be supervised and staff to step in where necessary to ensure children wash their hands effectively. However, ultimately it is the parent or legal guardians responsibly.
• Staff must actively educate parents/children on the importance of hand washing.
• Staff must encourage and take all steps reasonable to ensure hand washing occurs after petting the animals e.g. barriers guiding customers to the toilets/hand wash facilities.

Non-Petting Farm

• If you are unable to provide adequate hand washing facilities then the event must become a non petting farm.
• There must be double fencing (that is sturdy and prevents access to animals)
• The double fence must be sufficient to prevent children from touching animals or faeces that may fall under the first fence and be walked through.
• Staff must actively encourage customers to use the hand washing facilities within other parts of the premises.

N.B. Sanitiser hand gels are not a substitute for thorough hand washing, but can be used after hand washing.

More information

• Details on hiring or buying mobile hand washing can be found by searching the internet.
• |HSE - Avoiding ill health at open or petting farms
• |HSE - Managing the risks from E-coli in open or petting farms