COTSWOLD Farm Park, run by Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, has stressed today that reports that cases of cryptosporidium have been linked to the park are incorrect.

A statement on the farm park's website says: "Cotswold Farm Park demonstrates best practice with our animal contact and handwashing guidance and procedures.

"It's been incorrectly reported in some media that cases of cryptosporidium have been linked with us.

"There is currently no scientific evidence to confirm that these alleged cases, which occurred over four weeks ago, are linked to Cotswold Farm Park.

"However, we do take public health very seriously so have been proactively liaising with the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and the local Environmental Health department, to investigate a possibility that these cases may be linked.

"Following a site visit with a HSE inspector and an Environmental health officer it was agreed that Cotswold Farm Park follows best practice procedures in our animal contact areas and we have a proactive approach to educating and informing our staff and visitors of the importance of hand washing.

"We would like to reassure our visitors that we are fully compliant with the industry code of practice for avoiding ill health from farm visits and that there is no reason to avoid contact with animals as long as the correct hand washing procedures are followed.

"We [hope] this clarifies the situation but if you have any further concerns please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff on your next visit"

Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever which could last for up to three weeks but people with weak immune systems can be affected for longer periods.

There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis. Most people with a healthy immune system will recover within one month.