Every year a few outbreaks of pathogenic E. coli are traced to children visiting animal sites (and usually linked to touching, petting or feeding the ruminants). Earlier this year an outbreak occurred at the Western Stock show in Denver (see below infosheet, download it here).

UKPA reports today that 36 children are ill and 12 are hospitalized after visiting Godstone Farm in Surrey.

The farm is popular as it boasts a large range of animals which children can pet and feed. During the peak of the school holidays it receives up to 2,000 visitors a day.
The outbreak is believed to have started on August 8.
Dr Angela Iversen, director of the Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Unit, said: "This is a large outbreak of this infection.
"The farm owners are co-operating fully and we are working closely with them and with colleagues across health and local authorities to investigate the source. Our advice is that the farm should remain closed to visitors while this work goes on."

Kids and petting animals, without lots of precautions,including compelling messages for handwashing and sanitation, don’t mix.