Update on E Coli O157 investigations at Big Sheep and Little Cow Farm, North Yorkshire

16 October 2009

The farm attraction closed voluntarily on 25 September while the HPA and its partners conducted a full epidemiological and microbiological investigation into cases of E.coli O157 that had possible links with the farm. The investigation was launched that week following confirmation that three individuals who visited the farm had the infection. A further five cases confirmed in visitors were also potentially linked to the farm. 

Dr Stephen Morton, Regional Director at HPA Yorkshire and Humber, said: "We have been working closely with Hambleton District Council and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency to advise the farm of a comprehensive set of measures, which includes thorough cleaning, to minimise the risk of infection in the areas where investigations identified E.coli O157. We have also advised that activities that may carry a high risk of visitors coming into contact with E.coli O157 are no longer carried out by visitors to the farm.

"Whilst actions have been taken to reduce any risks, it is not possible to fully eliminate any risk of infection where children have the opportunity to come into contact with E.coli O157 through direct contact with particular animals. 

"This is why it is crucial that both adults and children practice thorough hand washing immediately following any contact with farm animals. This is the single, most effective way to reduce any risk of infection."

ENDS

Issued by Charlotte Farrar
Charlotte.farrar@hpa.org.uk 
0113 284 0618
07810 684 104

For more information please contact:

- HPA Yorkshire and Humber Press Office on 0113 284 0618 or 0113 284 0604
- Hambleton District Council on 01347 838118.

Notes to Editors

• Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
• E. coli O157 is a type of E.coli which can infect humans when they consume food or water that has become contaminated by faeces from infected animals.
• All animals naturally carry a range of micro-organisms, some of which - like E.coli O157 - can be passed on to humans and may cause ill health. As such organisms may be contracted on farms, good general cleanliness around farms, separating eating and contact areas, adequate handwashing facilities, information for staff and visitors and proper supervision of animal contact and handwashing are all essential.
• Current veterinary and medical opinion is that it should be assumed all ruminant animals - cattle, sheep, goats and deer - carry E.coli O157 and it is found in a range of other animals and birds including geese and seagulls.
• It's especially important that farms do everything they can to control the risks to visitors because very low numbers of E.coli O157 can cause infection. E.coli O157 can also persist for long periods outside the animal - up to 150 days in soil and 90 days in cattle faeces. As a result, other animals on the farm, including pets, can easily acquire the bacterium
• E.coli O157 bacteria in humans usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur.  To prevent the spread of the bacteria, it is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
• Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC

Last reviewed: 26 October 2009