ENJOY the Wiltshire countryside over the Easter break - but beware of spreading dangerous germs from livestock.

Public Health England has encouraged families to travel into the great outdoors in and around Swindon while taking precautionary measures to ensure that they don't catch any nasty diseases or harmful infections at farms.

Farm visitors should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals, fences or other surfaces in animal enclosures, and to wash them before eating or drinking.

Supervise children closely and make sure their hands are hygienic. Don't let children kiss farm animals, eat food that has fallen on the floor, or put their hands on their faces and their fingers in their mouths while petting animals and walking around the farm.

Only eat and drink in picnic areas and cafes, not while walking around farmland or petting animals.

Gels and wipes are not acceptable substitutes for soap and water - do not use them to wash your hands.

Dr Toyin Ejidokun, health protection from Public Health England South West said: “Visiting a farm is an enjoyable and educational experience for many people, particularly children. However, visiting a farm carries a small risk of catching infection from animals or the environment.

“Farm animals can be the source of several bugs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness. Some can be particularly serious for children or pregnant women.

“Infection can be picked up from the animal’s body, its poo or from areas where animals have recently been. If the germs are on your hands, you could accidentally pass them to your mouth. You can’t see the germs, so your hands may appear clean.

“Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water immediately after you have had contact with animals will reduce the risk of infection. Hand gels or wipes are not a substitute for washing your hands with soap and running water although they are better than nothing if soap and running water is not available.”