The FSA in Scotland has published a report identifying key knowledge gaps and recommending areas for future research on enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). The workshop helped to improve knowledge and develop strategies for tackling this group of pathogens at source – with the ultimate aim of reducing the health impact on humans.

Experts from around the globe attended a workshop in Midlothian, where priorities were agreed for research to help tackle EHEC at the main source of infection, the cattle gut. Delegates shared knowledge on the factors leading to the transmission and maintenance of infection in cattle, particularly the role of ‘supershedders’ – cattle that excrete particularly high levels of E.coli O157 in their faeces.

Supershedders are thought to play an important role in the spread of the bacteria to other cattle and the likelihood of transmission to humans via the environment or raw food. There was also discussion on intervention strategies being explored in other countries to reduce EHEC shedding by cattle and the feasibility of introducing these in the UK.

To read more see:

https://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/news/2012/aug/e.coli-workshop