A four-year-old boy became seriously ill while on holiday, just days after visiting a petting farm with his family.
At first, he developed a fever and diarrhoea. His parents thought it was a mild illness. Overnight, his condition worsened, and he had to be taken urgently to hospital abroad. He remained there for several days while doctors treated a severe infection.
After the family returned home, tests confirmed the cause was cryptosporidium. This is a parasite that can make young children very sick. Health officials later confirmed his case was part of a larger outbreak linked to lamb and calf petting sessions at a farm in Wales.
More than 70 people were infected in total. Some needed hospital treatment, while others had milder symptoms. The infection spreads through contact with animal faeces or contaminated surfaces and is easily passed on if hands are not washed properly.
The farm has now stopped all animal contact activities and is working with health authorities. Officials are urging anyone who visited the farm and later felt unwell to contact a doctor. The case is a reminder that farm visits can carry health risks and that careful handwashing is essential, especially for young children.