Terms of Reference for independent investigation into Godstone Farm E.coli O157 outbreak agreed

30 September 2009

At its public meeting today the Health Protection Agency's Board agreed the terms of reference for the independent investigation into the outbreak of E.coli O157 at Godstone Farm to be led by George Griffin, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Medicine at St. George's, University of London and Chair of the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens.

The independent external investigation was set up to investigate the large outbreak of E.coli O157 at Godstone Farm, the factors that contributed to it and its subsequent handling.

Justin McCracken, the HPA's Chief Executive told the Board: "Our aim in setting up this investigation is to make recommendations to reduce the risk of contracting E.coli O157 in those who visit open¹ farms and improve the health protection response to future outbreaks of this organism."

The terms of reference agreed by the Board are:

1. Purpose of the investigation
In August 2009 there was an outbreak of E.coli O157 leading to severe illness in a number of visitors to Godstone Farm in Surrey.

The Health Protection Agency has established an independent investigation of the outbreak, the factors that contributed to it and its subsequent handling. The aim is to make recommendations to reduce the risk of contracting E.coli O157 in those who visit open  farms and improve the health protection response to future outbreaks of this organism.

2. Scope of the investigation
The investigation will look into the factors which contributed to the cause of the Godstone Farm outbreak and into its subsequent handling by the Health Protection Agency and others. This will include, but not be limited to:

a) The characteristics of E.coli O157 and factors affecting its transmission from animals to humans in the context of open farms

b) The standards which apply to the operation of open farms (including  relevant guidance and how this was made operational)

c) The operation of Godstone Farm with reference to these standards

d) The regulatory oversight of open farms in general and Godstone Farm in particular

e) The responses to the outbreak from all those involved following the identification of illness in people who had visited Godstone Farm (including the advice given by the Health Protection Agency)

f) The responses to other recent outbreaks of E.coli O157 which have been linked to similar open farm facilities.

The investigation will consider any lessons to be learned from the experiences and best practice of the devolved administrations, and relevant evidence from public authorities in other countries.

The Board of the Health Protection Agency anticipates that the families of those affected by the outbreak may wish to provide input to the investigation.

3. Conduct of the investigation
The investigation will be led by Professor George Griffin, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Medicine at St George's, University of London, who will report to the Board of the Health Protection Agency.

The Health Protection Agency will afford Professor Griffin the access and resources he requires to conduct the investigation as he sees fit. 

4. Reporting
The final report of the investigation will be made openly available to the public.

Pending the final report, any interim recommendations requiring urgent action to protect public health will be published as soon as possible.

 

Footnotes

¹In the context of this investigation, an "open farm" is one which invites members of the public to visit and facilitates direct contact with the animals.
 ¹In the context of this investigation, an "open farm" is one which invites members of the public to visit and facilitates direct contact with the animals.

Notes to Editors

i.  Families affected by the outbreak will be contacted directly by Prof Griffin's team to establish whether they wish to contribute to the investigation and arrangements made accordingly.

ii.  For further information (media enquiries only) call:
0207 759 2824
0207 759 2834

 

Last reviewed: 30 September 2009