Why do we need to know about E.coli O157?
Introduction We are lucky enough to have some of the most beautiful countryside in the world on our doorstep and many of us and our families enjoy outdoor activities like days out in the country, visits to petting zoos and even weekend camping expeditions.
It is important that we enjoy our countryside safely, so we all need to be aware of the potential risks of E.coli O157 when we’re around grazing animals or land where these animals have been kept.
This risk is small, but by taking a few small steps we can easily reduce our risk and enjoy the great outdoors.
The risk is low for adults, but it’s greater for children and in some cases it can have very serious implications. However, with a few simple precautions these risks can be reduced.
Background The first cases of E.coli O157 infection didn’t appear until 1982 in America. So it’s a relatively new germ and wasn’t seen as a risk when many of the people who are now parents and teachers were growing up. But, following high profile food outbreaks in recent years many of us are now aware of the serious implications, although many are unaware that the infection can be contracted via direct contact with animals/animal pasture.
E.coli O157 presents a risk to the more vulnerable, such as children and older people, with around 250 cases being diagnosed every year in Scotland alone. Symptoms can vary from stomach ache to kidney damage and in some extreme cases, even death.
Recent research shows that almost a quarter of cattle herds in Scotland and many sheep and goats carry this germ. It doesn’t affect the animals in any way and they show no signs of infection or illness, which means that care must be taken around all animals and the land they’ve been kept on.
