In a distressing turn of events, the parents of a four-year-old boy named Michael found themselves in an unexpected nightmare after a visit to a petting farm led to a serious illness. Michael's parents, Gareth Carpenter and Kate Wiejak, from Bridgend, recounted the harrowing experience that began innocently enough with a family outing to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan. This visit, which took place in early April, has since been linked to an outbreak of cryptosporidium, a parasite known to infect the bowels and cause severe illness. The outbreak has prompted Public Health Wales (PHW) to investigate 74 cases connected to the farm. Cryptosporidium is often associated with contact with young farm animals and can result in unpleasant and sometimes dangerous symptoms. Among those affected, 16 individuals required hospitalization for at least one night. In response to the outbreak, the farm shop has voluntarily ceased its feeding and petting sessions and is working closely with health officials during the investigation. Kate and Gareth's son, Michael, visited the farm with his grandmother, Margaret Carpenter, on April 11. The trip was a beloved family tradition for the couple, who described the farm's lamb petting as a delightful experience for children. Kate emphasized that Margaret ensured Michael washed his hands thoroughly and used hand sanitizer after the visit. The following day, the family, including Kate's teenage daughter and both of Michael's grandmothers, traveled to Spain for a much-anticipated holiday. They rented a villa in Malaga, hoping for a relaxing vacation. Gareth mentioned that there were no signs of illness before their departure. However, on April 14, Michael began to exhibit worrying symptoms, including a raised temperature and diarrhea. Initially attributing his condition to food or too much sun exposure by the pool, the parents tried to manage his symptoms with rest and medication. Despite their efforts, Michael's condition worsened overnight. Concerned for their son's health, the couple sought medical assistance and were directed to a nearby private hospital, just a five-minute drive away. The family had to pay a significant deposit to have Michael examined, but the hospital staff provided excellent care despite the language barrier. Michael was diagnosed with a severe infection and spent three days in the hospital, which Kate described as an "absolute nightmare." Upon their return to Wales during a bank holiday weekend, Michael continued to suffer from gastrointestinal issues. They visited a GP on April 22, who requested a stool sample for further analysis. The family was riddled with anxiety as they speculated over possible causes, considering everything from contaminated food to water. The following day, Public Health Wales contacted Gareth to confirm that Michael had tested positive for cryptosporidium. During their discussion, Gareth revealed the details of the farm visit, which aligned with other cases linked to the same venue. After learning about the outbreak, both Kate and Gareth experienced similar but milder symptoms, with Gareth continuing to endure stomach cramps weeks after the initial exposure. Fortunately, Michael has since made a full recovery, and no other members of their holiday group contracted the infection. Margaret Carpenter, who took Michael to the farm, felt responsible for his illness. Kate expressed a desire for more comprehensive information about the risks associated with petting farm visits to be provided to attendees. "It's only when something happens that you realize how serious it is," Gareth remarked, hoping to prevent other parents from experiencing similar distress. Su Mably, a consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, stated that they are actively working with partners to investigate the outbreak. While cryptosporidium infections are typically mild and self-limiting, they can result in serious illness in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Mably advised those who visited the farm and feel unwell to seek medical advice and highlighted the importance of hand hygiene, especially before food preparation, to prevent the spread of infection. Public Health Wales continues to monitor the situation closely, urging anyone who visited the farm during the affected period to remain vigilant for symptoms and to contact a healthcare provider if necessary. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential health risks associated with petting farms and the importance of proper hygiene practices to prevent illness.