Calgary-area farm reopens after outbreak of ‘diarrhea-causing parasite’

A cryptosporidium outbreak has been declared at the Butterfield Acres Petting Farm in Calgary.

A Calgary-area petting farm that last month faced an outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite is reopening to the public.

Butterfield Acres announced on Friday that it will be open on Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. after a cryptosporidium outbreak in late April.

“We’ve continued working closely with Alberta Health and the provincial veterinarian, and we’re happy to share that all animals and staff remain healthy and happy,” the farm wrote on social media.

The farm said its staff “spent the past little while thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the farm.”

Visitors can expect to see new goats and lambs, as well as several handwashing reminders around the farm.

“Proper handwashing continues to be one of the very best ways to help keep everyone healthy.”

Cryptosporidium is described as a “diarrhea-causing parasite common in cattle” that occurs when someone comes into contact with infected feces and touches their mouth.

Not everyone shows symptoms, but many can get watery diarrhea and can experience fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and weight loss.

Symptoms can begin two to 10 days after exposure and can last up to a few weeks.

Butterfield Acres said in a statement last month the outbreak was caused by a sick calf that is now “no longer with (the farm).” They also said they’ve disinfected the calf’s pen.

— with files from CTV’s Damien Wood