Contact with lambs and calves can lead to a number of serious infections at this time of year such as Cryptosporidiosis, Listeria etc.
If you are in contact with young animals please ensure that you wash you hands afterwards to prevent infection and also wash your hands if you come into contact with clothing that has become contaminated during contact with young animals.
Dr Anthony Breslin, Specialist in Communicable Diseases and Environmental Health with the HSE Department of Public Health Medicine has issued the warning.
“Unfortunately at this time of year we do see an increase in infection with Cryptosporidium and other bacteria due to contact with young animals, particularly among children.
“It is difficult for children to ignore young lambs and calves but simple hand washing is a very effective way to prevent infection”.