A warning to parents over a new type of E.coli affecting rural pre-schoolers.

The Taranaki District Health Board says children in contact with animals have the highest chance of contracting the potentially life-threatening illness.

Medical officer Dr Jonathan Jarman said the bacteria, called STEC, is found in cattle and other animals intestines.

He said it leads to a severe gastro illness which can damage children's kidneys.

The contamination can also be found in mud, raw milk and animals' drinking water.

Dr Jarman said parents should keep they're children home if they show symptoms of stomach pain and vomiting.