New recommendations to help protect the public from the dangers of E.coli O157 were published Thursday (22 February). Campers, picnickers and others who use animal pasture for recreational activities have been told that they are at an increased risk from the potentially deadly organism. With spring around the corner, guidance is being issued to advise them how to enjoy these activities in greater safety. The mid term report from the Task Force on E.coli O157 comes on the back of a number of individual cases of infection related to E. coli O157 from environmental sources. Most notably, last May twenty members of a scout party who camped at New Deer, Aberdeenshire were infected. The report reveals that the biggest danger from E.coli O157 is via human contact with the droppings of ruminating animals such as cows and sheep. Scientific evidence presented to the Task Force, from research published last summer, found that almost one quarter of cattle herds in Scotland and many sheep and goats carry and excrete E.coli O157. Recreational activities on fields used for grazing animals, such as camping, picnicking or sports were identified by the Task Force as facing risks of infection by E.coli O157 that needed to be understood and overcome – sometimes by very simple steps such as proper hand washing. Activities where individuals are less close to the source of infection, such as walking and cycling through animal pasture, were found to pose less risk. Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis. The Recommendations from the Task Force are:
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- Keep farm animals off fields during use.
- Remove any visible droppings, ideally at the beginning of the 3 week period
- Mow the grass, keep it short, and remove the clippings before the fields are used for recreation
- Always wash hands before eating, drinking and smoking i.e., use soap, clean towels and, preferably, hot and running water.
- Ensure that water from burns and streams is treated before drinking.
- Ensure adequate supervision of children, particularly those under 5 years of age.
Professor Bill Reilly, Chairman of the E.coli Task Force, said:
“Much of the scientific evidence and personal experiences that have been presented to the E.coli Task Force over the past six months have highlighted the potential risks of contracting E.coli O157 through human contact with farm animals. With spring approaching, we felt that it was important for our mid-term report to focus upon any potential dangers of using animal pasture for recreational activity so that preventative measures could be taken before the outdoor season commences. To provide the protection that the Task Force intends this advice has to be issued and taken on board now.”
Susan Deacon, Minister for Health and Community Care, said:
“This interim report and guidance from the E.coli Task Force takes an important step forward in our bid to protect the public from this dangerous organism. It shows that responses to a complex problem can be well within the capabilities of you and me. It is now up to all of us to ensure that the practical steps described by the Task Force are taken on board.”
Dr George Paterson, Director of the Food Standards Agency Scotland, said:
“The E.coli Task Force have worked extremely hard over the past 6 months and their efforts are evident in the mid term report. The recommendations published today demonstrate the benefit of the overall strategy to tackle E. coli O157 that underpins the joint FSA / Scottish Executive sponsorship of this exercise.”
A final report by the E.coli Task Force will be published in May 2001.
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
- The E. coli Task Force is led by Professor Bill Reilly, Deputy Director of the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH). The other members are:
Professor Hugh Pennington
Microbiologist, Aberdeen University. Leader of the 1996-7 study into the Central Scotland E.coli O157 outbreak.
Dr Ken Oates
Consultant in Public Health Medicine Highland Health Board.
Mr Jim Dixon
Manager, Environmental Health Department Perth and Kinross Council.
Mr Rog Wood
Farmer and Chairman of National Farmers
Mr Martyn Evans
Director, Scottish Consumer Council.
Mr Barti Synge
Veterinary Science Division Scottish Agricultural College.
Dr Cathy Benton
West of Scotland Water.
Dr Sarah O’Brien
Public Health Laboratory Service.
The core group is complemented by over 100 participants from individual subject interests eg. human health, farming, water/waste, recreation, food chain.
- The remit of the Task Force is:
“In light of existing and emerging information on the incidence of E. coli O157 in Scotland to:
- Review the risk to health of the public in Scotland and current activities to prevent human infection with E. coli O157.
- Assess the effectiveness of the present arrangements for co-ordination of action at national and local level.
- Consider what future measures would help protect public health.
- Report by May 2001.”
- Review the risk to health of the public in Scotland and current activities to prevent human infection with E. coli O157.
- Escherichia coli are a group of bacteria present in the gut of some animals and people. They can be harmless or can cause diarrhoea; but the strain O157 can cause serious illness and even death, particularly in young children and in the elderly, even though it causes no illness in animals.
- Media can obtain a copy of the report by contacting the number below.
For further information contact John Booth on 01224 285120. Out of hours contact: 07699 782183.
http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/scotland.htm
