HEALTH CHIEFS LAUNCH PROBE INTO PLAY FARM AFTER 20 PEOPLE FALL ILL

Has YOUR child been affected? Email [email protected]

Health chiefs have launched an investigation into a popular children's play farm after 20 people including kids as young as one fell seriously ill after a day out petting lambs and calves.

Visitors were struck down with sickness and diarrhoea symptoms after a day out at Gannow Farm, in Worcestershire over Easter.

Some were hospitalised with an animal parasite called cryptosporidium - which in some cases can be fatal - after going to the attraction.

The petting farm, which offers cuddles with lambs and calves, is now being investigated by the UK Health Security Agency after families contacted public health lawyers as they consider taking legal action.

One of the children affected was Georgia Powell, four, who still remains ill and unable to return to nursery following a visit on Easter Monday.

Has YOUR child been affected? Email [email protected]

One of the children affected was Georgia Powell, four, who still remains ill and unable to return to nursery following a visit on Easter Monday.

What is cryptosporidium?

Public health lawyer Jatinder Paul, who is representing the families, detailed the devastating impacts of the disease.

He said: 'Cryptosporidium is a type of microscopic parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness in humans and animals.

'It can often have devastating consequences for the most vulnerable in society such as the elderly and children.

'It's commonly found in contaminated water sources, such as lakes and rivers, and can also be transmitted through contact with infected individuals or animals.

'It typically leads to symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.'

Mother Michelle Powell, 41 from Redditch, Worcestershire, said Georgia was struck down with severe sickness and diarrhoea around a week later.

Georgia has since tested positive for cryptosporidium and three weeks later continues to suffer with vomiting, diarrhoea and a lack of appetite.

Michelle said: 'Easter Monday was meant to be a fun day out for Georgia to see the farm animals. I never dreamed it could turn into such a nightmare.

'To see your four-year old so sick was just devastating.

'You feel like there's nothing you can do and as time goes on with no improvement, you begin to be really concerned.

'Looking back, I did have some concerns when we arrived at the farm.

'It was obviously busy that day and I thought at the time there were too many people for each slot with the animals and not a lot of supervision.

'The lambs looked lethargic and unwell compared to previous visits and their faeces were everywhere, including the bails of hay set out for sitting on.

'Right now, our focus in seeing Georgia make a full recovery but we feel we really deserve some answers concerning what happened.

'There were so many in those pens that day, that I'm not surprised to hear we're not alone in having fallen sick.'

Another Redditch family including mum Danielle Furlong, 33, and daughters, Sienna-Mai Southern, and Darcie Southern, aged nine and three, also fell ill after a trip on April 2.

Both girls began to feel poorly a few days later and, on April 11, contacted their GP.

The GP advised Sienna-Mai went to hospital and she was admitted to Birmingham Children's hospital that day.

She was treated with anti-sickness and rehydration medication. Sienna-Mai was discharged later that day, but continues to be unwell, as does sister Darcie.

Sienna-Mai is a national winner in girls' motocross and due to the continuing effects of her illness has been unable to race since.

Danielle said: 'This was one family day out we'll always remember for all the wrong reasons.

'When the girls fell ill, it was a huge concern and we're all continuing to live with the effects weeks later.

'Darcie now feels well in herself but it was obvious Sienna-Mai was badly affected.

'I knew she wasn't well but it was such a shock to have to go to hospital. Even now, Sienna-Mai isn't her usual self.

'It's been a really traumatic experience for her and it has really hit her confidence for six, not only that, she's not been able to compete in her sport.

'I think a lot of the families like us just want some answers at this point.

'We've been told illnesses like this can be serious and we don't want others to go through what we have.'

Emily Fryer's five-year-old son, Isaac, also fell ill following a visit to Gannow Farm on March 27 this year.

As Isaac began to become increasingly ill the week following the visit, Emily, 44, took her son to A&E at Royal Worcester Hospital.

Initially told he had flu-like symptoms, Isaac was discharged, only to return when he hadn't eaten in four days.

Isaac was admitted and doctors advised he might need a cannula and feeding tube, but it was ultimately agreed he would be fed using a syringe.

He remained in hospital until April 9, with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis but a stool sample couldn't be taken until April 17. They are waiting for the results of the tests.

Isaac missed over a week off school and still remains unwell.

Emily, of Redditch, said: 'Week on from first falling Ill, Isaac is still not back to his usual, lively self.

'He's a shadow of the boy he was, and continues to be lethargic and is falling asleep at school, which is not like him at all.

'We're just hoping he now goes on to make a full recovery.

'We had no choice but to attend A&E, which was a traumatic experience for all of us.

'It was such a difficult few days and Isaac was very distressed during his stay in hospital.

'I can't believe all this could happen following a simple family day out to a farm.

'The animals did look unwell but you take it staff know best in these situations.

'It was clearly far too busy and as such, there was a distinct lack of supervision available in the pens where it was needed.

'I wasn't shocked to learn that other people had similar experiences to us and had fallen ill in the same way.

'It doesn't sound like any changes were made between any of these visits and you would hope now that lessons will be learned and something positive comes out of this.

'We all need answers to make sure no other family days out end with children in hospital.'

Jatinder Paul, the specialist public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is supporting the families, said: 'The first-hand accounts we've heard from the families who have contacted us following visits to Gannow Farm around the same time are deeply concerning, especially as most infected are young children.

'We're now supporting more than 20 people who have all fallen seriously ill following their visit to the petting farm.

'Some who've had their health seriously affected and continue to suffer the effects.

'Parasitic infections like cryptosporidium can be very serious, particularly for the most vulnerable, such as older adults or young children and in some cases can prove fatal.

'While we welcome the news that UKHSA is investigating, we're working with our clients to look at the wider impact on them and working to secure them with the answers they deserve.

'If during our investigations any issues are identified, it's vital any lessons are fully learned and any issues relating to the spread of this disease addressed to avoid risk to others in future.

'We would be interested in speaking to anyone who may have been impacted by this incident at who would be able to assist with our investigations.'

In a Facebook post, the farm said: 'We at Gannow Farm take the welfare of our visitors very seriously and for that reason we have decided to close for the remainder of the 2024 Farm Experience.

'This is a decision taken by the team and not by governing bodies however we are working closely with them as always.

'All bookings for April 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st will be fully refunded, please bear with us while we work through this difficult time.

'We would like to wish anyone that is poorly a speedy recovery.'

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