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E. coli O157 Schools Information Pack
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E. COLI O157
RECREATIONAL USE OF ANIMAL PASTURE
INTRODUCTION
Prior to the forthcoming "outdoor season" those planning recreational use of animal pasture (fields used for grazing animals) should be aware of the potential risks associated with
E. coli O157:
Those walking and cycling, etc. on pasture land face least risk.
Adults playing sport or camping get closer to sources of infection, but are less commonly affected.
Children are especially at risk.
The following guidance is intended in particular for organisations that arrange camping or picnicking for children, and for farmers and landowners who permit animal pasture to be used for such purposes.
BACKGROUND
Research shows that almost a quarter of cattle herds in Scotland and many sheep and goats carry and excrete
E. coli O157. The animals do not become ill but can spread the organism to people by direct contact and indirectly via droppings and manure spread on land. The farmer or landowner will not be aware of animals excreting O157 because the animals show no symptoms and there is no way of knowing when animals are infected.
Animal droppings on pasture are the greatest worry, especially where there are concentrations of animals in a given area, and in wet conditions. You may well be able to see the droppings: you will not see the contamination that they cause. The organism is known to survive in soil and animal droppings for weeks, but the levels generally decline over time. You will find it almost impossible to avoid getting animal droppings on boots or shoes in these circumstances.
Footwear can easily spread droppings into buildings, tents and vehicles.
Fences, gates, stiles, seating and play areas can also become contaminated with animal droppings which may contain
E. coli O157.
To be a risk, the
E. coli O157 has to be swallowed from contact with hands, contaminated food or contaminated water. Even tiny amounts of
E. coli O157 can be a severe risk. Surface water run-off from fields containing animal droppings can lead to contamination of streams, burns, etc., particularly during wet conditions. In wet conditions, contamination can spread more easily onto hands, footwear, tents, etc., with the increased possibility that the organism can pass into the mouth or contaminate food and water. Normally such contact with
E. coli O157 will be unlikely for most of the population, even those walking and cycling in the country, but:
Those camping, picnicking and playing on farm land used for grazing animals are most at risk. In dry conditions, the risk should be less.
THE FOLLOWING STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN
Ideally, to completely avoid risk of infection by
E. coli O157 from this source, fields used for grazing or stockholding of animals should not be used for camping, picnicking and play areas, especially where these involve children.
These risks can be greatly reduced by adopting the following sensible precautions:
These precautions, taken together, will greatly reduce the risk of
E. coli O157 and other infections from this source, and allow your camping or sports to continue in greater safety.
Keep farm animals off the fields for 3 weeks prior to use.
Remove any visible droppings, ideally at the beginning of the 3-week period.
Mow the grass, keep it short and remove the clippings before the fields are used for recreation.
Keep farm animals off fields during use.
Always wash hands before eating, drinking and smoking, i.e. use soap, clean towels and, preferably, hot and running water.
Ensure that water from burns and streams is treated before drinking.
Ensure adequate supervision of children, particularly those under 5 years of age.
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