Victoria petting farm cleared over three-year-old's death from rare infection
Rain, Hayne and Shine Farm on the Mornington Peninsula was cleared of responsibility after a three-year-old visitor died from a rare infection.
A three-year-old girl died from a rare infection after visiting the farm in Balnarring. A second child who also visited was hospitalised.
Victoria's health department investigated but found no confirmed link between the illnesses and the farm. The source of the infections remains unknown.
The farm has operated for decades and says this is the only time they have been linked to illness. Despite the clearance, the farm has installed extra hand-washing basins and upgraded safety measures.
The owners expressed their deepest condolences to the family.
- 2
- Children affected
- Balnarring, Mornington Peninsula
- Location
- Operating for decades
- Farm age
Why it mattersFamilies who use petting zoos may have worried about safety after the child's death, so the health department's clearance provides clarity.
AustraliaVictorian families can be reassured that the farm was not the source, though the actual cause of the infection remains unknown.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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