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Third farm closes in E.coli alert Third farm closes in E.coli alert
(41 minutes later)
A farm in Nottinghamshire has become the third to close because of a suspected E.coli outbreak, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said. A Nottinghamshire farm has become the third to close over E.coli fears, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said.
It is understood two people have become infected after visiting the White Post Farm at Farnsfield. It is understood two people have become infected after visiting White Post Farm at Farnsfield.
The farm closed voluntarily and the HPA is conducting an investigation. The farm closed voluntarily and the HPA is investigating, though the cases are not being linked to the other closures.
Godstone Farm in Surrey and its sister farm, Horton Park Children's Farm in Epsom, are shut due to "unsatisfactory" hygiene arrangements, the HPA said. Forty-five cases of E.coli have been linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey. Horton Park Children's Farm in Epsom shut amid hygiene concerns.
The HPA added that it was also aware of two other cases potentially linked to White Post Farm which "had different strains of E.coli 0157". The HPA said that it was aware of two other cases potentially linked to White Post Farm which "had different strains of E.coli 0157".
Animals testedAnimals tested
In a statement, the agency said: "There are many potential sources of E.coli and as yet there is no confirmation that the farm is the source of infection in these cases, all of whom are well."In a statement, the agency said: "There are many potential sources of E.coli and as yet there is no confirmation that the farm is the source of infection in these cases, all of whom are well."
None of those infected in the latest alert are in hospital.None of those infected in the latest alert are in hospital.
HPA officials said a full epidemiological investigation would be undertaken and animals at the farm would be tested over the weekend.HPA officials said a full epidemiological investigation would be undertaken and animals at the farm would be tested over the weekend.
The farm will remain closed until the outcome is known.The farm will remain closed until the outcome is known.
A farm spokesman said: "We have closed voluntarily as there is a potential E.coli link but it's not confirmed. Godstone Farm was closed to the public on Saturday
"We anticipate we will be closed for a couple of days for testing." Anthony Moore, spokesman for White Post Farm, said: "We closed voluntarily this morning and would like to stress that it is purely a voluntary and precautionary matter.
"There is no confirmation that the infection has come from here.
"We should know the results of the tests by Monday."
The farm has seven hand washing points and several signs reminding people to wash their hands after touching animals.The farm has seven hand washing points and several signs reminding people to wash their hands after touching animals.
Patients 'improving' Of the 45 cases of E.coli linked to Godstone Farm, 12 are children being treated in hospital. Four of them remain seriously ill.
There are currently 45 cases of E.coli linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey.
Of the 45 affected, 12 are children being treated in hospital. Four of them remain seriously ill.
Six children are in a stable condition, and two were described as "improving" by the HPA on Thursday.Six children are in a stable condition, and two were described as "improving" by the HPA on Thursday.
An HPA spokesman said it was not aware of any cases of the E.coli strain linked to Horton Park Children's Farm.An HPA spokesman said it was not aware of any cases of the E.coli strain linked to Horton Park Children's Farm.
The parents of the most ill children have been given an apology by the HPA for delays in closing Godstone Farm and an independent investigation has been commissioned.The parents of the most ill children have been given an apology by the HPA for delays in closing Godstone Farm and an independent investigation has been commissioned.