Suspected E. coli cases linked to Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Stowmarket

Cases of suspected E.coli have been linked to a petting farm in Suffolk.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was aware of a small number of possible Shiga Toxin E.coli (STEC), or Cryptosporidium cases, linked to Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Stowmarket.

Earlier this week the farm announced it had closed temporarily while it tried to determine the cause of illness amongst staff and visitors.

The UKHSA said it had provided infection prevention and control advice and the farm will be implementing extra control measures to address the issue.

It said farm animals can be a source of several bugs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness - some of which can be particularly serious for children and pregnant women.

Sarah Weir, consultant in health Protection at UKHSA East of England, said: “Visiting farms to meet the animals is a fun activity for all to enjoy and hand hygiene is the best way to avoid germs that may be passed from animals.

“It is very important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching or playing with animals and their surroundings such as gates and fences.

“Remember to wash hands thoroughly before eating or touching your face.”

Symptoms of STEC include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.

Symptoms of Cryptosporidium include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps or pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting and fever.

Children under five should not attend school or childcare until they have been free of sickness or diarrhoea for two days.

Visits to hospital or care home settings should be avoided if you are feeling unwell.”

Anyone suffering from bloody diarrhoea is asked to contact NHS 111.