Lab Results Confirm Petting Farm as Source of STEC Outbreak in Belgium

Laboratory results have confirmed that the Mikerf petting farm in Brasschaat, Belgium, was the source of a STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) outbreak that hospitalized eight children with serious kidney complications. The Flemish Department of Care (Departement Zorg) announced the confirmation on August 3, following a genetic match between bacteria found in sick children and manure samples from farm animals, according to VRT NWS.

The Investigation and Genetic Match

The outbreak investigation began in early July after five children from Antwerp province were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious complication that can occur after a STEC infection. The children fell ill between June 27 and July 2, and the investigation initially pointed toward the petting farm, where several of the infected children had recently visited.

The Department of Care confirmed that genetic testing found an exact match between the STEC bacteria in affected children and bacteria in manure samples from ruminant animals—cows, sheep, and goats—at the farm. These animals naturally carry the bacteria without becoming sick themselves.

“The lab research shows that in the manure samples from the farm animals, exactly the same type of bacteria occurs that we found in a number of children,” said Joris Moonens, spokesperson for the Departement Zorg. “The genetic match provides certainty that the animals on the petting farm are at the source of the STEC infections.”

Eight Children Hospitalized

The final count of infections reached eight children, up from earlier reports of five and then six. Of these, four had clearly documented contact with the animals—either by visiting the farm themselves or through a family member who had been there. For the remaining children, the exact transmission route remains under investigation.

“Four of the infected children had clearly demonstrable contact with the animals,” Moonens explained. “Either because they visited the petting farm themselves, or through a family member who had been there. For the other children, it is not yet clear how the infection exactly came about.”

STEC is a relatively rare infection in Belgium, with only 80 to 130 cases reported annually, according to background reporting on the bacteria. While most people experience mild or no symptoms, approximately 10 percent of cases develop into HUS, which can lead to kidney failure and is fatal in 3 to 5 percent of cases. Young children are at the highest risk.

Temporary Closure and Impact on the Farm

The municipality of Brasschaat closed the petting farm and its farm cafe (Hoevekaffee) on July 18 as a precautionary measure, following initial reports linking the farm to the outbreak. The closure came after the farm had already isolated its ruminant animals from visitors, a move that operator Jan Moereels described as “a bolt from the blue” in earlier reporting.

The investigation took a significant toll on the farm’s operations. Visitor numbers plummeted, and the farm was forced to cancel its upcoming crafts market, as reported in mid-July. “We’re stuck with the consequences,” said Eva Baets, coordinator at Mikerf, at the time. “In our farm cafe, only 2 tables are occupied. Otherwise it’s empty here.”

The farm is operated by Aralea, a social employment company that provides work opportunities for people with a distance to the labor market. It attracts approximately 6,000 school children annually, making it a significant community institution in Brasschaat.

Reopening with Enhanced Hygiene Measures

The farm reopened on August 4 after implementing enhanced hygiene measures approved by the Departement Zorg and the local government. These include extra handwashing stations at every stable, a fixed walking route through the stables ensuring visitors pass handwashing points when leaving, active visitor awareness campaigns, and increased supervision during animal visits.

“We discussed with the local government how we can ensure a safe reopening,” Moonens said. “It all revolves around good hand hygiene.”

Lieve Vermeiren, director of Aralea, acknowledged the broader challenge facing petting farms. “Every petting farm has to deal with this, which is why it’s so important that everyone follows the prescribed hygiene measures,” she said. “That applies not only here, but at every petting farm.”

Vermeiren also expressed relief about the children’s recovery: “We have been very worried about the condition of the children, but we have since heard that all children are recovering.”

What’s Next

The confirmation closes a chapter in this outbreak investigation, but questions remain. Health authorities are still working to determine how some of the infected children contracted the bacteria, and lab results for one child who fell ill more recently are still pending to confirm whether it is the same strain.

The case serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of animal contact at petting farms and the critical importance of hand hygiene. As the farm reopens its doors, the Mikerf team has emphasized its commitment to safety, investing in structural improvements designed to protect visitors over the long term, as reported by VRT NWS during the closure.