AN investigation into a salmonella outbreak at a nursery has failed to identify the cause.

Thirteen children and staff at Bishop Auckland College Nursery, in County Durham, were infected in June and July.

An outbreak control team called in to investigate found a number of possible sources, the Durham Dales Primary Trust (PCT) board was told.

Director of public health David Landes said: "The outbreak was a serious incident because of the nature of salmonella infection and the fact that it can spread very easily within nurseries.

"The outbreak demonstrates how easily infections can spread between children, whether at home or within nurseries and highlights the need for all nurseries to ensure that high quality standard infection control measures are in place at all times.

"The PCT, Wear Valley District Council, other local councils, the Health Protection Agency and other individual agencies involved will consider the report and are committed to identifying learning points and recommendations to continue to strengthen local health protection arrangements."