**Family Terrified as Four-Year-Old Contracts Cryptosporidium After Welsh Farm Visit**
A Welsh family has described their traumatic ordeal after their four-year-old son fell critically ill with a parasitic infection following a trip to a local farm. Gareth Carpenter, father of Michael Carpenter, recounted the terrifying sequence of events that unfolded after Michael visited Cowbridge Farm Shop in the Vale of Glamorgan with his grandmother on 11 April 2025.
The visit, meant to be a delightful lamb and calf-feeding experience, turned nightmarish days later when Michael began suffering with severe stomach cramps and uncontrollable watery diarrhoea. Initially, the family presumed Michael’s symptoms were the result of sun exposure during a family holiday in Malaga. However, as his condition rapidly worsened, their concerns escalated.
“He’s had chickenpox and flu before — the usual childhood illnesses,” Gareth said. “But I’ve never, ever seen him so severely unwell.” The family sought urgent medical help in Spain, where Michael was admitted to a specialist children’s hospital. There, doctors performed numerous tests and discovered he had developed sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by the infection.
Hospital staff told Gareth that Michael’s infection markers were alarmingly high, with levels exceeding six times the threshold for a serious infection. Medical teams acted swiftly, putting the four-year-old on a drip with antibiotics, paracetamol and fluids. Michael remained in hospital for nearly three days, requiring round-the-clock care.
“It was absolutely horrific witnessing him so ill,” Gareth shared. “He was just curled up, unable to do anything, in nappies again because he simply couldn’t control his symptoms. We were deeply worried about him.” The language barriers, worries about insurance, and the uncertainty surrounding Michael’s condition only added to their stress.
After being discharged, Michael’s condition remained unstable. Back home in Bridgend, their GP recommended further testing. It was then that environmental health authorities contacted the family to confirm he had contracted cryptosporidium — a parasite known to live in the intestines of infected animals and humans and spread through faecal contamination.
Public Health Wales have since confirmed at least 28 cases of cryptosporidium infection have been linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop, prompting an ongoing investigation into the outbreak. The farm has voluntarily suspended all petting and feeding activities while authorities work to identify the exact source and prevent further spread.
Cryptosporidium infection, which is particularly prevalent among children aged one to five, can cause acute and prolonged gastrointestinal illness. The UK Health Security Agency advises thorough handwashing after animal contact, emphasising the ease with which these infections can be inadvertently transmitted – often simply by touching contaminated surfaces and then the mouth.
Margaret, Michael’s grandmother, described feeling devastated after learning of the link to the farm. “I was mortified,” she said. “You follow all the rules, sanitise, wash hands, but I still feel so guilty thinking I’d put him at risk.” She recalled how much Michael enjoyed the experience, stroking and feeding the animals, with no inkling of the possible danger.
Although Michael is now on the road to recovery, Gareth says the experience has left lasting anxiety. “We’re still watching him closely,” Gareth said. “He’s much better than he was, but he still gets stomach pains now and then. You just worry it might flare up again.”
Cowbridge Farm Shop has been contacted for comment but has not yet issued a further public statement. In the wake of this incident, the advice from public health officials remains clear: diligent hand hygiene is vital during and after contact with farm animals, particularly for young children.
This episode serves as a sobering reminder for families about the hidden risks associated with popular farm experiences, often seen as an educational and wholesome activity. While such outings are cherished by many, it is crucial for parents and guardians to remain vigilant and adhere to safety precautions — as this incident painfully illustrates.
Public Health Wales continues its investigation into the outbreak, and affected families are being supported and advised as more information comes to light.