Health officials have confirmed that 13 children and adults fell ill with diarrhoea after visiting a Lincolnshire farm.

South Kesteven District Council and Public Health England carried out an investigation at Bowthorpe Park Farm, near Bourne, in April.

The council said 13 cases of cryptosporidiosis were confirmed, but said they could not say definitively whether they contracted the illness while at the farm.

People were struck down with diarrhoea

The condition most commonly affects young children and people with weaker immune systems, but it can affect anyone.

A spokesman for Public Health England said: "We have been working with local partners to investigate a number of Cryptosporidium cases associated with Bowthorpe Park Farm, Lincolnshire.

"The cases were in both children and adults and all have recovered.

"They had all fallen ill after visiting the farm.  But we cannot definitively say they caught the infection from the farm.

"Following the confirmation of the cases a full investigation has taken place to ensure all maintenance procedures are in place at the farm park and are being followed correctly."


They added: "Cryptosporidiosis is caused by an organism called Cryptosporidium, which is found in soil, food, water or surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human waste or animal droppings.

"People can become infected by consuming contaminated water or food, by swimming in contaminated water, for example in lakes or rivers, or through contact with infected animals.

"The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can range from mild to severe."

Lambs are being born - and it's only January
Lambs are being born - and it's only January

A spokesperson for South Kesteven District Council said there is no on-going risk to the public and the investigation is closed.

They said: “Precautions including hygiene advice and hand-washing stations were in place.

“Visiting a farm is an enjoyable and educational experience for many but it can carry a small risk of catching infection from animals or the environment.

“Farm animals can be the source of several bugs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness.

"If germs are on your hands, for instance, they could be accidentally passed to the mouth.

“Our advice to the public, therefore, is that hand-washing after coming into contact with farm animals is of the utmost importance to prevent infections.”

The farm told BBC Lincolnshire that the investigation was closed and no link had been established to the premises.

It added that it has all the right procedures in place for the safety of visitors.

Lincolnshire Live has invited the farm to comment.