The Health and Safety Executive is prosecuting the owner of Hazelgrove Farm on the outskirts of Ryde following an outbreak of cryptosporidium in April 2023, which led to around 50 people becoming ill.
UK Health Security Agency South East was called in to work with the Isle of Wight Council when dozens of locals started reporting illness after visiting the farm off Ashey Road.
Hazelgrove had been offering animal activities – including lamb and goat petting – in the weeks leading up to the outbreak, which saw a number of people hospitalised after becoming infected. They voluntarily ceased such activities on 1st May 2023 after being alerted to the situation.
Island Echo understands at least 1 person remains in hospital.
It was on 10th May that UKHSA confirmed cryptosporidium as the cause, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launching an investigation, as previously reported by Island Echo.
Now, the owner of the farm, Sharon Wheeler, is being prosecuted for an alleged breach of Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
In a statement issued to Island Echo today (Wednesday), following a request for information on 2nd January, a spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive has said:
“The Health and Safety Executive has commenced a prosecution against Sharon Wheeler following an investigation into an outbreak of Cryptosporidium at Hazelgrove Farm, Ryde in May 2023.
Article continues below this advertisement “Ms Wheeler, a self-employed farmer, is accused of breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
“A date for the first hearing will be confirmed in due course”.
Cryptosporidium parasites can be found in soil, water, food or on any surface that has been contaminated with human or animal faeces. It is spread through animal-to-human or human-to-human contact. Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been linked to contact with infected lambs and calves during visits to open farms.
Symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever. These symptoms generally begin 2 to 10 days (average 7 days) after becoming infected with the parasite. Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, but it is most common in young children aged between 1 and 5 years.
Thank you for this story, she should be ashamed of herself? Absolutely disgusting behaviour, the poor people that fell ill should get compensation off of her?