Craigies, near Edinburgh (Image: Google Street View)
Sixteen people have fallen ill with cryptosporidiosis after visiting Craigies Farm in South Queensferry, Edinburgh, NHS Lothian has confirmed. The parasitic infection has been linked to the popular petting farm, where visitors took part in a lamb feeding experience that ran until May 4.
Public health officials are investigating the cluster of cases, with teams from NHS Lothian, public health, and environmental health working alongside the farm. Cryptosporidiosis, caused by the cryptosporidium parasite commonly carried by farm animals such as lambs, sheep, cattle, goats and pigs, spreads through contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces, including fences, gates, fields and buildings.
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The parasite is highly resilient and can also contaminate water, food, clothing and footwear. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever and loss of appetite.
The illness can last up to two weeks and may lead to dehydration. Young children and those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of more severe effects.
Dr Graham Mackenzie, public health consultant at NHS Lothian, said the health board is working with hospital and primary care teams to ensure prompt care for any further cases.
He said: “Infection can be picked up by touching or petting animals or through contact with fields, fences, gates and buildings where animals have been kept.”
Dr Mackenzie noted a seasonal rise in cases during springtime and stressed the importance of thorough handwashing after any contact with animals or their environments.
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Craigies Farm told the Daily Record it was treating the reports seriously and was cooperating fully with investigators. Owner John Sinclair said a “small number” of visitors had reported illness following visits.
He said: “Cryptosporidiosis is a recognised, seasonal infection associated with animal contact environments, particularly in young lambs, and cases do occur each year across the UK.”
The lamb feeding experience had concluded as planned on May 4. Mr Sinclair confirmed the farm had been visited by Edinburgh Environmental Health officers, who were satisfied with existing controls, procedures and hygiene measures.
The farm provides handwashing facilities and guidance for visitors, and had already removed higher-contact activities such as lamb cuddling to reduce risk. Additional cleaning measures in animal areas have since been strengthened.
The farm works with the National Farm Attractions Network to follow best practice guidance for safe public access. Mr Sinclair added: “The health and safety of our visitors is our priority, and we will continue to review and improve our processes where required.”
NHS Lothian has not confirmed the exact number of cases linked to the farm but stated it is actively investigating those reported. No hospitalisations have been publicly detailed at this stage, though officials continue to monitor the situation.
Health authorities remind the public that good hygiene remains the most effective defence. Visitors to petting farms or similar attractions are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any animal contact, before eating, and after touching surfaces that animals may have accessed. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are less effective against cryptosporidium.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by working farms open to the public, where seasonal outbreaks of zoonotic infections can occur despite preventive measures. Investigations are continuing.