The University of Glasgow has completed a report and study into the Feasibility of Introducing Methods in the UK for Reducing Shedding of E. coli O157 in Cattle.

Their report recommended the following:

1. We recommend that an opportunity is sought to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics and/or vaccines for on-farm E. coli O157 control in UK.

2. We recommend that NFAN [The National Farms Attractions Network] be encouraged in developing Codes of Practice for on-farm E.coli O157 control and are given assistance to engage with the open-farm sector and to publicise their experiences in the adoption and implementation of control measures.

3. We recommend that farmers may implement on-farm controls for E.coli O157 if they identify a clear hazard and if there is greater knowledge of the safety and efficacy of the proposed controls.

4. We believe that major retailers and buyers of milk and beef could be asked to provide incentives to those farmers willing to apply proven on-farm E. coli O157 controls.

5. We consider as a priority for further research activity continued interdisciplinary cooperation in the collection of information for the development of more detailed and refined disease transmission models.

6. We recommend the increasing use of the media as a crucial mechanism in disseminating information relating to E.coli O157 control.

This report can be downloaded from the Food standards Agency website at:

https://www.food.gov.uk/print/pdf/node/690

The charity would wish to see the recommendations acted upon and implemented.