Farm Visits and Tick Awareness

This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's, Public Health Programme Officer, Timothy Howells, for the attention of School Headteachers and staff.

Please see the below info from PHE regarding Farm Visits . Last year there were a couple of incidents involving infections linked to farm visits.

Farm visits seasonal safety reminder

Days out at farms are an enjoyable and educational experience for many people. However, animals can carry a number of infections that may be harmful to humans, especially children and pregnant women. Guidance for the public is available on the PHE website (Farm visits: avoiding infection). Resources are available for educators through Access to Farms.

Some additional resources for schools on this topic are  here: https://e-bug.eu/junior_pack.aspx?cc=eng&ss=2&t=Farm%20Hygiene

‘Tick Aware’ resources

Up-to-date information on ticks and tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, is available on the GOV.UK webpage, Tick bite risks and prevention of Lyme disease: resources . They describe the particular precautions appropriate to reducing tick-related risk (over and above standard insect bite avoidance measures). Both regular tick checks, and prompt removal of ticks from the skin, are important for those working or spending time outdoors in affected areas.