At least 28 people have been struck down by a deadly parasite that causes bowel-cancer like symptoms at a petting farm in Wales.

Called cryptosporidium, commonly known as ‘crypto’, it can infect the digestive system of animals and people.

People become infected with cryptosporidium via contact with infected faeces and  the disease, medically known as cryptosporidiosis, can then be passed between people who do not wash their hands thoroughly.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infected people can shed up to 100mllion crypto germs in a single bowel movement.  

Swallowing just ten of these germs is enough to get ill. 

Those with vulnerable immune systems, such as the elderly, pregnancy women and people undergoing cancer treatment, are at high risk of the bug turning life-threatening.

However, symptoms can often be hard to spot as they’re easily mistaken for more common digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and food poisoning. 

Cryptosporidium parasites are protected by a thick shell that allows them to even survive in chlorinated swimming pool water

Last year, UKHSA issued a warning about the risk of cryptosporidium infection from farm visits 

Some of the symptoms, such as abdominal pain and blood in the stools, may be particularly anxiety-provoking as they mimic the signs of bowel cancer, which is known to be on the rise. 

Due to the bug’s highly infectious nature, people with symptoms are advised to stay home from work or school until they have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours. 

They are also encouraged to take steps to minimise the risk of passing the parasite on to other people in their household, including washing dirty clothes, bedding and towels on the hottest setting, and not preparing food others.

Victims can also experience periods of false hope where their symptoms clear for a few days, making them believe they are finally over the infection, only for it to return. 

 Sufferers often have to endure these symptoms for two weeks before it is finally clear from their systems, but bouts of illness can last even longer, particularly in people with weakened immune systems and the elderly.

Most people aren’t offered treatment for crypto and instead are told to drink plenty of fluids and minimise contact with other people while waiting until symptoms pass. 

People are typically infected with crypto via contact with faeces containing the parasite, either from humans or animals that then enters their mouth. 

Risk of water supplies becoming infected is higher following periods of heavy rainfall and when animals are giving birth, such as the lambing season.  

People can also get it by caring for people infected with crypto, particularly young children.

Health chiefs investigating the cluster of recent  cases believe they are all linked to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm (pictured) in Cowbridge

Last May, more than 100 people were also infected by cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon. The outbreak was believed to be linked to water contaminated with infected faeces making its way into the drinking supply 

This can occur when people change a nappy and then put their hands near or in their mouth without washing them thoroughly, for example.

Other possible sources of infection are contact with infected milk, or from vegetables that have been fertilised with infected animal manure and not washed thoroughly. 

As crypto can survive in faecal matter for long periods of time sufferers are asked not to go swimming until two weeks after their diarrhoea has stopped.

This includes both natural bodies of water as well as swimming pools as traces of infected dried poo can wash off an infected swimmer’s anus. 

In regard to the current outbreak, health chiefs investigating the cluster of cases believe they are all linked to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge.

The shop is thought to have offered cuddle and feeding sessions with lambs and calves—which have since been stopped due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’, according to the farm’s Facebook page. 

Su Mably, a consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales said: ‘We are working closely with partners to investigate these cases and to understand if there is a wider risk to the public.

‘We would advise anyone who has visited the farm, particularly those who attended feeding or petting sessions, and who is now experiencing symptoms to contact their GP.’

According to the UK health Security Agency (UKHSA) people visiting farms should take precautions to protect themselves from infection including checking there are good hand-washing facilities at the farm with hot water, soap and paper towels.

Last year the UKHSA issues a warning about the risk of cryptosporidium infection from farm visits.

In a twist on the classic children’s rhyme the agency wrote on social media: ‘Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was white as snow.

‘But wash your hands and dry them too in case it has crypto.’

Last May, more than 100 people were also infected by cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon.

The outbreak was believed to be linked to water contaminated with infected faeces making its way into the drinking supply.

Whole streets in the town were infected, with victims forced to endure days of diarrhoea and agonising stomach cramps, with one sufferer even comparing them to ‘childbirth’.