Lot's of E. coli Found Down on the Godstone Farm Near Surrey

Posted on September 22, 2009 by E. coli Lawyer

The UK's Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) has tested feces from lambs, pigs, goats, cattle, ponies and rabbits at Godstone Farm near Surrey and found the dangerous E. coli O157:H7 strain in 33 of 102 samples. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) called in VLA.

"Joint HPA and VLA investigations have confirmed the presence of E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in feces from a wide range of animals on a premise in Surrey," said Nigel Gibbens, chief veterinary officer.

The number of children infected with E. coli O157:H7 while visiting Godstone Farm has increased to 67. According to BBC News, eight children remain in hospitals across Southeast England "in stable or improving conditions."

The injured are now coming forward to take legal action. Claims will be filed totaling hundreds of thousands of pounds, according to lawyers for the various families. "It is not simply about financial compensation, although that is a part of it," said Solicitor Jill Greenfield, who represents an unnamed young girl. "Some of these children could have long term medical conditions for which they will need financial compensation."

"But it's far too early to tell with any of them because E. coli is a bit of a slow burner," Solicitor Greenfield continued. "So at the moment it's about establishing what happened, establishing the facts and finding out why so many children ended up in the hospital with E. coli."

After controversy erupted over how long it took to close Godstone Farm to the public, three other farms with petting zoos have closed. Horton Park Children's Farm in Epsom, which is under the same ownership as Godstone Farm; White Post Farm in Nottinghamshire; and World Country Life Farm in Exmouth, Devon are now all shut down.

HPA, the leading investigator in the UK, believes the outbreak began on Aug. 8 at Godstone Farm. Godstone Farm closed Sept. 12th. Critics say the HPA allowed the petting zoo to remain open far too long.

All 67 cases in the outbreak are linked to Godstone Farm. Horton Park, its sister zoo, was closed down for "unsatisfactory" hygiene facilities. No illnesses are yet associated with Horton Park.

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A Petting Farm Sends Children To Hospitals Across South East England

Posted on September 12, 2009 by E. coli Attorney

South East England hospitals are caring for a dozen children with infections from the dangerous E. coli O157:H7 bacteria that they picked up at a popular petting farm near Surrey. All are under age 10.

All totaled health officials in the United Kingdom (UK) say 36 people were exposed to the bacteria, which was traced to the Godstone Farm & Playbarn, which allows children to touch animals.

Four of the E. coli victims are reported to be in serious condition.

Professor Hugh Pennington, who has led investigations of past E. coli outbreaks in the UK, said this is “a very large outbreak” and E. coli O157:H7 can be “quite dangerous” for young children because some will suffer complications to the brain, heart, and kidneys.”

UK health officials got the farm to close on Sept. 12th after measures to stem infections failed to halt the outbreak. Godstone Farm, which has up to 2,000 visitors a day, issued this statement on its website:

“Due to an E-coli outbreak, we have closed the farm until we can make sure it is quite safe for you all to visit us. “

“This is large outbreak of this infection,” said Dr. Angela Iverson, director of the local Health Protection Unit. She said the farm owners were cooperating with the investigation.

E. coli O157:H7 is an infection that people can pick up when handling or stroking animals, unless hands are thoroughly washing afterwards to minimize the risk,” Iverson said. “It can also spread easily from person-to-person.”

Children infected with E. coli O157:H7 will suffer from bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain and tenderness with no fever. Hospital laboratories confirm the diagnosis from stool samples.
More serious infections, however, can develop into a kidney disease known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). It is a severe, life-threatening complication that occurs in about 10 -15 percent of those infected with E. coli O157:H7.

"The kidney complications can be quite severe, resulting in long-term damage in some instances," Professor Pennington said.

Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Units are working with local environmental health officers and the Veterinary Laboratory Agency in the outbreak investigation. The initial onset of illnesses apparently occurred Aug. 8th.

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