A major outbreak of cryptosporidium has sickened more than 70 people in Wales following visits to a popular farm attraction, Public Health Wales (PHW) has confirmed.
The parasitic infection—linked to feeding sessions at Cowbridge Farm Shop in the Vale of Glamorgan—has now affected at least 74 individuals, with 16 requiring overnight hospital care. Health officials have warned the number could rise further due to the parasite’s incubation period, which ranges from two to ten days.
Outbreak Linked to Animal Petting and Feeding
The source of the outbreak was traced to petting and feeding sessions with lambs and calves at Marlborough Grange Farm, Cowbridge. The farm has since voluntarily halted all public animal feeding activities and is cooperating fully with the PHW investigation.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite commonly found in the faeces of infected animals. It spreads to humans through contact with contaminated surfaces, water, or food—especially in settings where hygiene is compromised.
Victims include young children, many of whom became severely unwell. Gareth Carpenter, whose young son Michael is believed to have contracted the infection, said: “I’ve never, ever seen him that ill before. He was horrific when he was there [in hospital]. Really, really worried me and my partner, Kate.”
“He was just leaking. We had to put him back in nappies,” he added, describing the severity of his son’s symptoms.
Another parent, Lee Dobinson, said: “We did everything we were supposed to do. This was really unexpected.”
Symptoms and Public Health Advice
Symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include:
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Watery diarrhoea
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Stomach cramps
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Nausea and vomiting
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Mild fever
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Weight loss
These symptoms typically appear 2–10 days after exposure and may last up to two weeks.
PHW is urging anyone who visited the farm between late April and early May to monitor for symptoms and avoid preparing food for others or visiting healthcare settings while unwell. Infected individuals should take extra hygiene precautions to avoid spreading the illness, especially in households with vulnerable people.
Ongoing Investigation
The outbreak was first announced on 30 April, when 28 cases of a gastrointestinal illness were reported. That number has now risen to 74 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis. Public Health Wales, alongside the local authority and the Animal and Plant Health Agency, continues to investigate the full extent of the outbreak.
In a statement, PHW said: “We are grateful for the cooperation of the farm, which has voluntarily stopped all animal contact activities as a precaution.”
Members of the public who believe they may have been affected are advised to contact NHS 111 or their GP.
