Exmouth attraction given all-clear to open after E.coli scare

devon.editorial@archant.co.uk
05 October 2009

THE OWNER of Exmouth's World of Country Life has slammed the hype surrounding an E.coli scare as ridiculous after being told he can reopen all attractions following an investigation.

Nigel Lee, who runs the visitor attraction at Sandy Bay, agreed to close the site's petting farm and deer train ride on the advice of the Health Protection Agency three weeks ago.

The precautionary measure was taken after the HPA announced three children had contracted the 0157 strain of E.coli with potential links to the farm.

Veterinary investigation staff and East Devon District Council's health officers then started taking samples for analysis from animals and fixtures and fittings in the petting enclosure.

Of 30 samples collected from sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, pigs and an empty calf pen, E.coli was detected in eight representing a mixed group of sheep, goats, chickens and also contained a rabbit.

A further positive result was found in a sample from a pig pen. Following the examination, the HPA advised the attractions could be re-opened.

Mr Lee said he was still annoyed with the HPA after they issued an incorrect media statement three weeks ago which implied the site was completely closed.

He said: "If you had spoken to anyone in Exmouth or Exeter and asked 'have you heard of the World of Country Life', they would have replied 'oh yes, it's shut isn't it?

"All the hype just got ridiculous. It was just the petting farm and deer train ride that was closed.

"I'm very disappointed they (Health Protection Agency) put out a press statement which I believe wasn't the right one. They said we were shut and we weren't."

A spokesperson for the HPA said: "It has always been our intention to identify the parts of the farm affected by the investigation. It is unfortunate that this has been reported in a different way.

"We can confirm that all areas of World of Country life previously advised to close have now been given the go ahead to reopen.

"The farm management closed the petting farm voluntarily on September 19 while the HPA and its partners conducted a full epidemiological and microbiological investigation into three confirmed cases of E. coli O157 with potential links with the petting farm.

"The individuals affected have all recovered well from the infection.

"The farm has cooperated fully and taken the opportunity to strengthen measures to protect the public, by deep cleaning affected areas in risk, and introducing enhanced hygiene signage and new arrangements for the petting area, including supervision of visitors.