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Tests confirmed that the E.coli bug was present in animal droppings from the farm at the centre of the current outbreak.
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) collected samples of animal faeces from Godstone Farm in Surrey on September 7, and 33 out of 102 contained the bug.
Positive samples came from ewes, lambs, pigs, goats, cattle, ponies and rabbits, but not pond water or sand from the sandpit.
Eleven of those samples contained E.coli which was "indistinguishable" from the bug which infected visitors, the VLA said.
Tests were also carried out on September 16, including samples from "pet animals" such as rabbits, ducks and guinea pigs, but none contained the O157 strain of the bug.
However two samples from the floor of the main barn revealed likely E.coli; the tests are awaiting final confirmation.
Defra's Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said: "Joint HPA and VLA investigations have confirmed the presence of E.coli O157 bacteria in faeces from a wide range of animals on a premises in Surrey.
"The bacterium is known to have the capacity to infect a wide range of animals but the VLA advise that E. coli O157 has more commonly been found in ruminants, such as cattle, sheep and goats. The VLA is working closely with the HPA to assist with the ongoing investigations."
Yesterday the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said eight children remain in hospital with the infection, all of whom are "stable or improving".
Three more cases of E.coli were linked to Godstone Farm, making a total of 67.
The HPA expects sufferers to continue coming forward for a period of time, partly because of the bug's delayed incubation period.
Relatives of one youngster struck down with E.coli are set to take legal action against Godstone Farm.
Solicitor Jill Greenfield said: "We need to establish what went wrong and who if anyone is at fault. I would hope that the farm representatives and the Health Protection Agency will agree to meet with me as soon as possible in order that I can establish the facts as quickly as possible.
"I have contacted both the farm and the HPA today suggesting a meeting this week and I wait to hear."
She refused to reveal the child's name or age.
The personal injury lawyer went on: "It's not simply about financial compensation, although that is a part of it. Some of these children could have long term medical conditions for which they will need financial compensation. But it's far too early to tell with any of them because E.coli is a bit of a slow burner.
"So at the moment it's about establishing what happened, establishing the facts and finding out why so many children ended up in hospital with E.coli."
Five samples taken from White Post Farm in Nottinghamshire appear to contain E.coli O157 but this has yet to be confirmed, the VLA said.
These came from cows with no public access, sheep and goats.
Currently there is no Government advice against contact with animals but health officials advocate thorough hand washing.
Experts have warned parents to "think very hard" about letting children under five have contact with animals on petting farms and have called for greater "controls" to be introduced.
A total of four farms have shut since the outbreak came to light at Godstone Farm where the earliest link to infection was traced back to August 8.
The other two are: Horton Park Children's Farm, in Epsom, the sister farm to Godstone; and the World of Country Life farm, in Exmouth, Devon.
E.coli, which has symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting, can be especially dangerous in young children because they cannot tolerate much fluid loss. It can lead to kidney failure.
Reader views (1)
So why were the children not supervised by their parents while they washed their hands after playing (?) with the cows, sheep, etc?
Most animals (including humans) can carry E. Coli and so we should assume that any petting zoo, farm or domestic pet (including dogs) can be contaminated. When did we lose the hygiene consciousness that meant that you always washed your hands before you eat anything?
- Graham, Reading, England, 22/09/2009 13:05
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