Investigators trace E. coli outbreak to petting zoo

RALEIGH, N.C. – A petting zoo at the state fair was the likely source of harmful bacteria that caused 15 children to contract a life-threatening kidney ailment this fall, state health officials said Thursday.

The final report by the North Carolina Division of Public Health said the state’s largest outbreak of E. coli in three years, involving 108 cases, apparently originated at the Crossroads Farm Petting Zoo exhibition at the October fair.

Though most people suffered milder symptoms, including diarrhea, 15 children suffered serious reactions to toxins that collected in their kidneys. The complication can lead to kidney failure and possible death.

Four of the 15 children continue to receive dialysis, said Debbie Crane, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Human Services.

The report said more than half of the 108 people infected with E. coli were 5 years old or younger; two-thirds were under 18. Most came into contact with animal manure.

Investigators said they matched the genetic fingerprints from identified cases of the disease to E. coli samples taken from the site of the petting zoo.

Crossroads Farm, in the Chatham County town of Bear Creek, is owned by Jason Wilkie.

His attorney, Walter Brock, said his client cooperated with inspectors, and that his goats, sheep, llamas, water buffalo, camel and zebra were inspected by a veterinarian for contagious diseases before the fair.

“They were all certified before they were taken to the state fair,” Brock said.

“He’s very much committed to complying with all guidelines that are applicable to the petting zoo business and he has been routinely inspected over the years.”