An Example of Specialist Copywriting for Websites (Non-optimised)
Written for the UK Health Protection Agency:
Farm Visits
Specialist online copywriting by Freelance Copy UK about what to do when visiting farms. Aimed at leaders of group trips, and individual or family visits to farms
Introduction
Visiting a farm can be a highly enjoyable and educational experience for both children and adults. Very often there is the opportunity to have contact with some of the animals. While this is one of the main attractions, visitors need to be careful not to accidentally infect themselves with germs. Animals naturally carry many bacteria, some of which, if caught by humans, can cause ill health and disease.
The risks of catching a harmful germ can be greatly reduced by taking some simple precautions. The information that follows applies not only when visiting farms but also on trips to agricultural shows, zoos, and menageries.
What are the risks when visiting a farm?
Animals that appear well may be excreting germs such as campylobacter, E.coli O157, giardia, salmonella or cryptosporidiosis. Studies show that at least 45% of all cattle herds may carry the E.coli bacterium.
Sheep can also carry organisms such as chlamydia, toxoplasmosis, and listeria. Pregnant women in particular must be careful not to assist with lambing, or handle ewes or the birth products of sheep or newborn lambs. If they become infected there is a small risk of serious illness for both themselves and their babies which can sometimes result in miscarriage. Pregnant women should stay away from areas were animals have given birth or are giving birth.
Many animals carry the salmonella bacterium but chicks and ducklings are the most common carriers.
How can you get an infection?
Infection occurs when harmful germs present on the hands or face are accidentally swallowed. These germs are picked up by having contact with animals, such as touching or stroking them, or by being licked by animals. You can also catch germs by direct contact with animal faeces and urine, and contaminated items such as straw bedding, farm equipment, gates or fencing.
If animals pass harmful infectious bacteria in their faeces which is not immediately removed they are very likely to get some of the infected manure on their coats. Even if it is a tiny amount that can barely be seen it can be enough to cause illness and infection in humans.
However clean and well managed the premises, some contamination is always present in the environment.
How can you prevent getting an infection?
- Always wash your hands with soap and water after contact with animals
- Avoid putting your hands in your mouth, smoking, or biting your nails unless you have just washed your hands
- Make sure children wash their hands thoroughly before and after eating, after any contact with animals, and again before leaving the farm
- Never drink any unpasteurised milk or eat unpasteurised cheeses
- Do not kiss any of the animals
- Make sure any pre-existing cuts and grazes are covered with a waterproof dressing
- Never eat food that has fallen on the ground
Common diseases that can be caught from farm animals include:
- Brucellosis
- Campylobacter
- Chlamydia psittaci
- Coxiella burnetti (Q fever)
- Cryptosporidium
- E.coli O157
- Leptospirosis
- Orf virus
- Ringworm
- Salmonella
- Streptococcus suis
- Tetanus
- Toxocariasis
- Toxoplasma
- Tuberculosis
Arranging the visit
If arranging a group visit it is advisable to check that certain precautions are already in place:
- The grounds and public areas of the farm should be regularly kept clean of animal faeces
- There should be clearly signposted toilet and hand washing facilities adequate for the number of visitors expected. Within these there should be:
- Sinks with running water, soap, disposable towels or a hand dryer.
- It is preferable that sinks have warm water as it's easier to create soap lather and encourages people, especially younger children, to wash their hands properly and for a long enough time
- A shared bucket is not acceptable even if it contains disinfectant, as reusing the water may allow the spread of bacteria
- There should be a designated area for meal breaks or snacks separate from areas where animals are kept
- There should be facilities so that children can wash their hands before eating
- Animals should be excluded from any outdoor picnic areas
- There should be precautions to prohibit visitor access to areas where sick animals, slurry, or compost are held
- Visitors should not be allowed to taste animal feed or consume unpasteurised products
- Visitors should not be able to use or pick up tools such as forks and shovels which may be contaminated
At the start of the visit all visitors should be informed that they must be careful to avoid the risk of infection.
Avoid drinking, eating snacks or smoking when touring the farm.
It is advisable to remove snacks such as sweets, crisps, chewing gum from pockets before the visit.
Do not put hands in animals’ mouths, or place your face against the animals.
Never drink from taps unless they are clearly marked “drinking water.”
Do not taste animal feeds, unpasteurised milk products, or unwashed crops and fruits.
Wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible after touching any animals. Do not eat anything until your hands have been washed. Only eat in the designated meal or picnic area.
At the end of the visit
Rinse off boots or footwear to ensure faecal material is removed. If clothing is visibly contaminated it should be removed, sealed in a plastic bag, and taken home to be cleaned in a hot wash. Ideally, old clothes should be worn to the farm and spare items of clothing taken to change into should this be necessary. Lastly, wash your hands again.
If you or a member of your group shows signs of illness after a visit, advise them or their parent/guardian to visit the doctor and explain that they have had recent contact with animals.
Written by Jackie Griffiths - Senior UK based freelance copywriter for Freelance Copy