Industry news
E.coli petting farm reopens
Posted Thu, 29 Oct 2009
A petting farm in Surrey has reopened following a potentially fatal outbreak of E.coli.
Godstone Farm, near Redhill, found itself at the centre of the outbreak which left several children seriously ill after contracting the 0157 strain.
It shut on 12 September 2009 after visitors were found to have the bug and in total 93 people have been affected by the outbreak.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed an independent investigation had been launched into its origins.
Only the play areas will be reopened to the public, while the animal areas will remain closed.
In a statement posted on the farm's website, its owners said the children who became ill are "still on their minds".
It reads: "For the time being, we are not allowing visitors to come into contact with any of our animals.
"The HPA is being very thorough in its search for the cause of the outbreak, but these things do take time."
The statement concludes: "Meanwhile, the children who were affected are still on our minds and we very much hope that every one of them is well on the way to recovery."
Tandridge District Council said it was convinced there is no longer a risk to the public.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Godstone Farm & Playbarn