Wild rabbits are believed to have caused an outbreak of E.coli at a Norfolk Wildlife centre which affected 10 children and two adults.

Vets who investigated the outbreak at Thrigby Hall wildlife gardens, near Great Yarmouth, believe that rabbits picked up the potentially fatal bug from cattle dung at a nearby farm.

It was then carried to recreation areas within the gardens where the droppings stuck to visitors' shoes or clothing.

It is not clear whether the rabbits carried the infection on their fur or whether they ingested dung and left infected droppings.

Rabbit cull

Four of those who fell ill needed hospital treatment and one child developed renal problems. All of them have since recovered.

Following the outbreak, which occurred between July and September, rabbits have been killed and fencing has been erected at Thrigby Hall.

The results of the investigation, which were published in the Veterinary Report, could lead to new safety guidelines being introduced at outdoor events if there are any more outbreaks.

Ken Sims, owner of Thrigby Hall, said: "We normally have signs to advise people to wash their hands.

"But as a result of what happened we have reinforced those signs.

'Investigations continue'

"This seems to have been a chance thing over a period of time.

"I don't believe that it has ever been established that rabbits can get the disease and I don't think they're absolutely clear on how exactly they carried it into the park."

A spokeswoman for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) commended Mr Sims and his staff for acting promptly and responsibly over the outbreak.

She said: "We are continuing to investigate the link between rabbits and E.coli, but we haven't come to any firm conclusions yet.

"We think in this case that the rabbits acted as a vector, moving from one side of a fence to another and bringing the bug with them."

The spokeswoman added that it was important for people in contact with animals to take "all reasonable precautions" to prevent faecal contamination.