Bacterial infection spread by GOATS kills one child and infects 14 others at Tennessee petting zoo

A toddler in Tennessee died of a bacterial infection spread by goats at a petting zoo, health officials have now confirmed.

Fourteen children and parents also became infected in June 2022 with the common, normally harmless, food poisoning bacteria associated with goats at Lucky Ladd Farm in Eagleville, a small town outside of Nashville.

The two-year-old child who died was determined to have contracted Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and developed a rare kidney infection.

The case was picked up by local news at the time, but was only officially confirmed this week with new details in a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC said the animals could have gotten the bacteria from contaminated surfaces and then spread it to attendees who pet them.

Two goats had STEC and had to be euthanized, while the others were removed from the facility. The goat shed was also nominated to be demolished (file image)

According to the CDC report, an investigation by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) revealed that the outbreak was caused by goats at the facility, as well as the spread of the disease between camp participants.

The farm held a three-week summer camp for children ages six to ten.

E. coli are bacteria typically found in the intestines of animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and deer. While most are harmless, some can cause a host of gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.

STEC is most commonly associated with foodborne outbreaks, according to the CDC. Contaminated foods can include ground beef, unpasteurized milk, raw produce, and unsanitized water.

This form of E. coli lives in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, although they don’t get sick. Exact numbers vary, but E. coli infections are estimated to cause about 265,000 illnesses and 100 deaths per year.

The study found that infected participants picked up STEC within the first week of camp.

Local outlets reported that the two-year-old caught it on his brother attending the camp.

In the end, 14 people present became infected, not including the toddler who passed by.

Young children and older adults are at greater risk for E. coli-related illnesses, and most of these infections occur between June and September in the US, according to the Mayo Clinic, though it’s not clear why.

In rare cases, patients may develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

This is a condition involving an abnormal destruction of platelets and red blood cells.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the damaged blood cells can clog the kidney’s filtration system, resulting in life-threatening kidney failure.

The local media outlet KKTV reported that the deceased child had HUS.

E. coli disease is usually treated with rest and fluids to prevent dehydration. There are no treatments specifically designed for infection.

The two goats that tested positive for STEC were euthanized, while the rest of the herd was removed from the property.

The farmers voluntarily closed the camp and the goat shed was scheduled to be demolished.

The CDC said it’s possible the goats contracted STEC from contaminated surfaces and the children became infected after repeatedly touching their faces and not washing their hands.

The agency recommended health officials educate these groups about the health risks farm animals may pose to vulnerable groups such as children.

In addition, the CDC suggested that such facilities should also promote hand washing before and after contact with animals.