Yogi Shares Ordeal of Getting Sick After Taking Part in Goat Yoga at Local Farm
“I was at a goat yoga class on April 12 and myself, and three of my friends got Cryptosporidium,” a local wrote to us after a notice from Northern Nevada Public Health about this.
“I don't want to name the farm and I am sharing this with you anonymously because I am extremely concerned about other people getting this. As someone with pre- existing digestive disease; it has been horrible. We have all been extremely sick- like worse illness probably of us have ever had.
A few of us are still pretty debilitated. We are trying to talk to the farm, and we don't want to publicly call out a business- but we do want more people to know that this is very much real, and it’s very dangerous for literally everyone,” they added alleging there weren’t any handwashing stations to use, and that they were trying to use hand sanitizer and washed their hands afterwards at a restaurant.
“So it's not that we were just negligent about cleanliness,” they concluded. “I am mostly concerned that people know what they are getting into and can make an informed decision, but I am hoping the Public Health department is taking action.”
There was a goat yoga class advertised for April 12th at the Ferrari Farms with a photo of a goat.
“Goat Yoga is BACK at Ferrari Farms!” An advertisement indicated in late March.
“Kick off the season with our fan-favorite Baby Goat Yoga on April 11 & 12 at 11 AM! Enjoy a fun, beginner-friendly class while adorable baby goats roam, cuddle, and keep things entertaining. It’s the perfect way to get outside, try something new, and start the season right,” with tickets listed at $25 per person.
We called Ferrari Farms and no one answered so we left a voice mail but no one has called back.
Earlier today, the Northern Nevada Public Health Population Health Division said it was investigating an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis linked to a live animal yoga class in Washoe County.
"Cryptosporidiosis, sometimes referred to as “Crypto”, is an illness caused by a parasite that can spread when small amounts of fecal matter from infected animals are accidentally ingested," a statement emailed today indicates.
"Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting. Other illnesses that may be transmitted through animal contact include salmonellosis and E. coli infections.
NNPH is reminding the public to take certain precautions when participating in live animal yoga classes (which can include goats, rabbits, puppies, etc.).
“While activities like animal yoga can be enjoyable and beneficial, it’s important for participants to understand the potential health risks associated with close contact with animals,” said Dr. Chad Kingsley, District Health Officer for Northern Nevada Public Health. “Simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of illness.”
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