Review of the Food-borne Zoonoses Research ... - ARCHIVE: Defra

Project code: OZ0709
Project title: Epidemiology of VTEC 0157 and other VTECs likely
to be pathogenic to man in farm wastes
Start date (dd/mm/yy): 01/04/2002
End date (dd/mm/yy): 31/03/2005
£365,493
Total cost:
Affiliation: Veterinary Laboratories Agency
Sub-contractor(s): Health Protection Agency, Silsoe Research Institute,
University of Liverpool
Abstract of research
Possible routes of human infection of Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC)
serogroup O157 include contaminated food or beverages, direct and indirect contact with
farm animals and person-to-person. In particular, cattle have been identified as a major
domestic animal reservoir of VTEC O157 and therefore their manure can be a source of
pathogens entering the environment and food chain. Consequently, the epidemiology of
VTEC O157 in farmyard manure (FYM), slurry and dirty water on both dairy and beef
cattle farms was investigated. The overall aim of Project OZ0709 was to devise a set of
recommendations that can be adopted by farmers in order to reduce the risk of human
VTEC infection that is attributable to farm waste. To formulate such recommendations, a
multi-disciplinary approach was adopted which included a review of existing farm waste
management methods; an epidemiological study; engineering visits, risk assessment &
mathematical modelling.
From the project it was concluded that the management of waste significantly varies
between farms, however there are recommendations/guidelines available to which
farmers should adhere. Such recommendations are often with particular reference to the
transfer of food-borne pathogens on to crops and are therefore not VTEC O157 specific.
By identifying specific VTEC O157 recommendations from within the project it was
concluded that farmers adhering to existing guidelines are managing their waste in such
a way that minimises the risk of environmental contamination with VTEC and hence
maintaining a low risk of humans becoming infected with VTEC O157 due to direct or
indirect exposure to cattle waste.
Review summary
Project OZ0709 aimed to produce guidelines for farmers on ways to minimise the risk of
environmental contamination with VTEC, and consequently reduce the risk of humans
becoming infected with VTEC O157 through direct or indirect exposure to cattle waste.
The results back up what had been previously thought. This project produced valuable
data in providing assurance that current guidelines for management of farm waste are
appropriate.
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