Godstone Farm in Surrey has now been linked to 87 cases of E.coli . An investigation into the outbreak of E. coli at a Surrey farm is to be led by the professor of infectious diseases at St George's, University of London.George Griffin will look at how Godstone Farm was being run and the response made after it was confirmed as the source of the infection. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) commissioned the independent inquiry.
The total number of those affected by the outbreak now stands at 87. Three children remain in hospital. The HPA said all were in a stable condition, and none were seriously ill.
Five farms closed
The earliest link to infection at the farm near Redhill was traced back to 8 August, but it did not close until 12 September. HPA chief executive, Justin McCracken, told the agency's board the aim in setting up the investigation was "to make recommendations to reduce the risk of contracting E. coli O157 in those who visit open farms". He said it was also to improve the health protection response to future outbreaks. Families of those affected will be contacted to ask if they want to take part in the investigation, the final outcome of which will be made publicly available. Five farms across England closed or partially closed following the outbreak at Godstone. The other four were Horton Park Children's Farm in Epsom, White Post Farm in Nottinghamshire, World of Country Life in Exmouth in Devon, and the Big Sheep and Little Cow Farm in Bedale, North Yorkshire.
