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E coli O157 prevalence to be investigated
cows
Survey findings will inform the development of measures to reduce public health risk.
New survey aims to determine how widespread shedding is on British farms

Scientists have undertaken a survey to find out how widespread E coli O157 is among finishing cattle. It is hoped their findings will help with developing measures to reduce the risk of human infection.

Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 can be passed from cattle to humans through contaminated food or contact with cattle or their environment. In addition, it can remain infective in soil for months.

The new survey, beginning this month, will run until December 2015. It is part of a project by the Roslin Institute to find out why some cattle shed large amounts of O157 in their faeces, and to come up with strategies to reduce the human health risk.

Writing in the Veterinary Record (Vol 175, No 8), Madeleine Henry, Sue Tongue and George Gunn from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), say they aim to find out the number of British farms with finishing cattle on which at least one animal is shedding O157.

Staff from SRUC and ADAS will visit a random selection of farms in England, Scotland and Wales to collect faecal pat samples. A farm management questionnaire will also be completed.

The Scottish E. coli Reference Laboratory will identify the more common phage types among cattle isolates, and more these to isolates from human cases to assess the role of cattle in human infection. Findings will inform the development of measures to reduce public health risk.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and confidentially will be maintained.

For further information, see the Veterinary Record, August 30, 2014, Vol 175 No 8, or contact Madeleine Henry at vetepidemiology@sruc.ac.uk or 01463 246072.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.