Gannow Farm: Children left seriously ill after visiting petting zoo | British news

A petting zoo is facing dozens of lawsuits after visitors became infected with animal parasites when touching animals.

Parents and children as young as one year old were left with diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps after a visit to Gannow Farm in Worcestershire last month.

The site offers opportunities to pet and cuddle lambs and calves, although it is not clear which animals were carrying the beetle.

Most are believed to have contracted cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite that does not usually cause serious illness but can lead to long-term illness in children.

Several young visitors were hospitalized and although all were discharged, some remained ill long after their journey.

Among them is 14-year-old Sophie Enright from Birmingham, who fears her exam results will suffer because she has still not fully recovered.

Her mother Emma said: 'She is like a different girl after a frightening and uncertain experience.

'After visiting the doctors she never seemed to get better and as the weight came off her we became very concerned.

'We thought it was just a bug that would go away, but when they said it was cryptosporidium, terrible thoughts went through your head.

'Sophie is still unwell and was devastated that she had missed school in the run-up to her mock exams and was suffering from her mental health as a result.

'Our focus has been on Sophie's full recovery, but given all the people who have been so ill, I think there are questions that need to be answered.'

Another child who was ill for a long time is nine-year-old Sienna-Mai Southern, who was ill for more than three weeks after visiting her parents and three-year-old sister Darcie, who also became unwell.

Her mother Danielle said at the end of last month: 'When the girls got sick it was a huge concern and weeks later we are all still living with the consequences.

'Darcie is feeling good now, but it was clear that Sienna-Mai was badly affected.

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

'It has been a very traumatic experience for her and has seriously affected her self-confidence for six years. And not only that: she has not been able to participate in her sport.

“I think a lot of families like us right now just want some answers.

'We have been told that these types of illnesses can be serious and we don't want others to have to go through what we have.'

The farm closed itself to visitors after the cases came to light in early April and has remained closed ever since.

More than 80 people have contacted lawyers asking for their case to be investigated, and the farm is being investigated by the UK Health Security Agency and Wychavon District Council.

In a statement on the closure, Gannow Farm said: 'This is a decision made by the team and not by governing bodies, but we are working closely with them as always.

'We wish everyone who is unwell a speedy recovery.'

Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell, the law firm representing affected families, said: 'Since he was initially contacted by 20 people who had become seriously ill after visits to Gannow Farm, it is deeply concerning that more than 80 people have now come forward, all with similar stories to tell of being diagnosed with cryptosporidium after their visit.

'Cryptosporidium is known to cause gastrointestinal diseases and can be a serious condition for many vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.

'A type of microscopic parasite, cryptosporidium, can cause disease in both humans and animals.

'It is crucial that people take the right precautions to protect themselves and their families from the risk of infection.

'While we welcome the UK Health Security Agency's investigation, we want to support our clients through this terrible ordeal and give them the answers they deserve.

“If any issues are identified during our investigation, it is critical that lessons are learned to improve public safety.”