In June 2022, the Tennessee Department of Health investigated an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections among attendees of a goat husbandry summer camp at Lucky Ladd Farms, located in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Based on laboratory and epidemiologic findings, investigators concluded the outbreak likely occurred due to close contact with baby goats.

Twelve primary cases (2 confirmed, 10 probable) and 2 secondary cases (1 confirmed, 1 probable) were identified. Two cases (one primary and one secondary) were hospitalized. The secondary hospitalized case developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and died. Ill primary cases attended the camp from June 6, 2022 to June 24, 2022. Cases were more likely than controls to attend camp during week one (June 6-10).

Forty-five environmental samples were collected. Nine were positive for shiga toxin E. coli (STEC), representing three different serotypes: H14 (2 environmental), O157:H7 (3 clinical, 2 environmental) and O26 (2 environmental). Neither of the H14 or O26 serotypes were associated with clinical illnesses in this outbreak.