16/06/2010 - Report wants standard E.coli code
A new E.coli code of practice should be established within the open farm industry to reduce the risk of outbreaks like the one in Surrey last year which saw 93 people fall ill, a report has said.
George Griffin, professor of infectious diseases and medicine at St George's, University of London, carried out an investigation after the outbreak at Godstone Farm near Redhill in August and September 2009, the largest of its kind in the UK.
He made 43 recommendations in his review, including calling for a standard E.coli code of practice among open farms after describing the current guidance as "quite vague and subject to differences in interpretation".
Other suggestions include petting farms making sure members of the public have minimal contact with animal faeces in public areas, visitors being warned of the potential infection risks and regulatory agencies clarifying an "avenue of responsibility" in the event of another outbreak.
Prof Griffin also wants more research carried out into the identification of the infection and frontline health professionals being advised to suspect an E.coli infection in any child with bloody diarrhoea.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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