E. coli petting zoo delusion in the UK
This is how delusional some folks are about E. coli O157 in the U.K.
The Exmouth Herald reports that Nigel Lee, who runs the 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.
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The U.K. Health Protection Agency recommended Lee close the animal portion of his attraction three weeks ago after three children who contracted the O157 strain of E. coli had potential links to the farm.
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 was pissed with the HPA after they issued an incorrect media statement three weeks ago which implied the site was completely closed, stating,
"All the hype just got ridiculous. It was just the petting farm and deer train ride that was closed.”
Apparently Lee thinks sick kids is hype, and what about the 8 out of 30 positive samples?
Below is a table of petting zoo outbreaks, largely adopted from a list Bill Marler collected.
http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/admin/trackback/159573
Grow up, lady. The entire world cannot be sanitized to protect your precious baby. The world is a hard place - get used to it.
I hope you are not taking this same attitude toward other aspects of your child's life. If so, the kid will be lost and frightened in this world.
perhaps you (zeke) should read the entire article before commenting; the author is male...
and the blog is not about sanitizing the entire world, just taking precautions if you own a business were people will be in contact with animals and understanding that e. coli is a serious disease not something to call "ridiculous hype," especially when children are in the hospital
Shouldn't we also be aware of the Anthrax possibilities? How about we teach children to WASH THEIR HANDS? Keep their fingers out of their mouths and not touch everything? Wouldn't that work well,too?