Making use of pressure washers over petting farm season

While running a petting farm is a great way for farms to make some much-needed extra cash, there are some important hygiene issues they must consider to make sure things run as smoothly as possible.
One big problem over petting farm season is the risk of gastrointestinal illness, such as E. coli O157, that are associated with contact with farm animals. These outbreaks peak in the spring and summer when visits to petting farms are popular.
Earlier this year the Health Protection Agency issued a reminder to petting farms, particularly those with responsibility for little ones, to ensure good on-site sanitation.
According to HPA data, there were 61 cases of gastrointestinal illness associated with farms visits between 1992 and 2011, with 22 of these outbreaks in the last three years.
Overall 1,238 people were affected in these outbreaks – 1,003 people with Cryptosporidium and 235 with E. Coli O157.
These infections are transmitted by direct contact with animals in farm petting and feeding areas, as well as contact with the droppings of animals on contaminated surfaces around farms.
"Farm visits can be an incredibly enjoyable experience for both children and adults and a few simple precautions will help avoid illness and ensure everyone enjoys a fun day out," said Dr Bob Adak, head of the gastrointestinal diseases department at the HPA.
"Children need to be carefully supervised to ensure that they don’t put their hands in their mouth directly after petting the animals, which naturally carry germs. When everyone has finished petting and handling the animals they need to wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water and to dry them before eating."
Farms can also give sheds, holding pens and other areas where animals might be held a thorough wash with industrial cleaning equipment, such as pressure washers.
There are also a host of pressure washer accessories available that can improve cleaning provision and help firms clean hard to reach areas.