A reminder has gone out for parents to ensure their children wash their hands thoroughly after petting farm animals.
It's come from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture following a case in which four children were taken to hospital in Lancashire after they were infected with the potentially deadly E. coli 0157 bacteria.
The children, all under ten years old, took ill after attending a live lambing event at a farm.
The chief carriers of the bug are cattle, sheep and goats, and an animal may be infected even though it appears clean and healthy.
The bacteria can be in animal droppings, and on the animal's body and nearby fences and surfaces.
DEFA's food safety manager Ivan Bratty says only a small number of bacteria can cause infection.
Under-fives are at greater risk of infection than older children and can become seriously ill.
Mr Bratty says while he certainly doesn't wish to discourage families from getting out and about into the countryside and coming into contact with animals, he's urging parents to remember that a range of infections can be passed on through contact with animals unless care is taken.