AN OUTBREAK of a stomach bug which struck down more than 50 people in the Ribble Valley was today blamed on animal faeces in water supplies.
A report by the Outbreak Control Group (OCG) brought into monitor the cryptosporidium epidemic in Clitheroe in March strongly associates the problems with the water supply.
The document, submitted to East Lancashire Health Authority, highlights how traces of cryptosporidium were detected in treated water in North West Water's zone 97 and that drinking tap water was the only common factor linking the 58 cases in the Clitheroe area.
The OCG goes on to say that the investigation into the outbreak suggested that the contamination of Grindleton Springs with animal faeces was the probable cause.
The report says: "Drinking unboiled mains tap water in zone 97 was the only common factor linking these cases.
"Water to that zone was supplied from Lowcocks water treatment works which was sourced from Grindleton Springs. Oocysts of cryptosporidium were identified in samples from Lowcocks and from domestic taps in properties within the zone.
"Environmental investigations at Grindleton Springs suggested contamination with animal faeces was the likely source of the outbreak."
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