World of Country Life farm, Exmouth, closed as precautionary measure

18 September 2009

The farm has closed voluntarily and the local authority, HPA and partners are conducting a full investigation.

There are many potential sources of E. coli and as yet there is no confirmation that the farm is the source of infection in these cases. The majority of E. coli outbreaks are caused either by food contamination or person to person spread and only about 1 in 50 of all cases are associated with outbreaks linked to petting farms.

Notes for 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 is 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

Media enquires to: Laurence Knight, HPA South West, tel: 01453 829746.

Last reviewed: 23 September 2009