Local authority permits partial reopening of Godstone Farm

26 October 2009

Tandridge District Council has today permitted the partial reopening of Godstone Farm in Surrey.

The Council has assured the Health Protection Agency that there will be no contact with any animals. Those areas of the site which will be open to the public, including the play areas, have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and have since been tested and been negative for E.coli. 

The Council's environmental health officers have also said they are satisfied with the signage and hand washing facilities.

In light of these assurances the HPA considers any risks in those areas of the farm that are reopening to the public to have been reduced to levels comparable to those generally found in the countryside in the vicinity of farms.

Godstone Farm was closed as the result of the largest outbreak of E.coli at a UK petting farm.  The outbreak is currently the subject of an independent investigation commissioned by the HPA which is being 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.

Notes to Editors

1. For further information the media should contact Tandridge District Council on: 01883 732704 or email: communications@tandridge.gov.uk. The HPA can be contacted on: 01243 815109 / 0207 759 2824 / 2834.
2. General information on E.coli:
   • Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) O157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.
   • 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.
   • To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.
   • It is important to always wash your hands with soap and water 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, for instance on a visit to a farm.
     

Last reviewed: 26 October 2009