E Coli 0157 and Leisure Farms
What is E Coli 0157?
Escherichia
coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria
commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are
many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the
intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases.
The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the
environment.
E. coli 0157 bacteria usually cause
diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The
diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood
complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in
preventing person-to person spread and small children should be
supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before
eating.
How to Avoid Infection When
Visiting Leisure Farms?
Current veterinary and medical opinion
is that it should be assumed all cattle, sheep, goats and deer
carry E. coli 0157 and it is found in a range of other animals and
birds including geese and seagulls. Effective hand washing after
contact with such animals is therefore essential.
What Should Leisure Farms Do?
Farmers are directed to the
Health and Safety
Executive's (HSE's) website which
contains guidance on avoiding ill health at open farms.
Further Information
Further information on E. coli 0157
and recent events can be found on the Health Protection Agency's
(HPA's) website.
Alternatively, if you would like to contact us about E. coli 0157
and leisure farms please email envhealth@ashford.gov.uk or
telephone 01233 330230.
This webpage was updated on
9/22/2009