September 2009 | E-coli Outbreak.

People affected by the E.coli outbreak at a Surrey petting farm may be able to claim compensation from its owners.

A total of 37 children fell ill after visiting Godstone Farm in Surrey - which keeps tame goats, cows and other animals for petting - and three are still seriously ill in hospital.

However, anger has mounted after it emerged that the farm stayed open for two weeks after the first evidence of E. coli was discovered, exposing more children to the bug than was necessary.

Legal experts have told the Telegraph that if the children affected go on to suffer long-term damage as a result of their exposure, they may be eligible to claim compensation from the owners of the farm.

Commenting on the case, E.coli expert Professor Hugh Pennington said: "Although the risk of it being passed on to humans is small, the effects can be catastrophic in young children."

E. coli 0157 is the organism responsible for poisoning in humans and fewer than 100 are needed to cause serious illness.

Statistics published by the BBC state that seven per cent of E. coli victims go on to suffer permanent and severe kidney damage after exposure.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that a man had been awarded £750,000 in compensation after contracting E. coli on holiday.

Carl Riley sued First Choice after eating a contaminated burger in Sharm el Sheikh and going on to suffer kidney damage that will affect him for the rest of his life