(RALEIGH) -- North Carolina health officials have identified the source of a recent e.coli outbreak. Epidemiologist Doctor Megan Davies confirmed the outbreak that sickened nearly 30 people occurred on the state fairgrounds.

"After interviews with 27 people identified as being ill with e.coli and 87 well people who also attended the fair our epidemiological investigation has determine that the source of the outbreak was in the Kelly Building at the State Fair," said Davies.

The State Agriculture Department said the Kelly Building was where sheep, goats, and pigs were housed.  The animals were ones entered in State Fair competitions this year.

State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said trying to locate the cause of the virus was difficult. "When you think about a million people at an event like the State Fair and trying to narrow it down to a point that you can say this is a probable cause, we knew it was like trying to find a nettle in a hay stack and we want to further get answers," said Troxler.

Dr. Davies said the illness is likely related to animal contact, though the study did not implicate any specific animal or breed in the outbreak.