Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th November 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Sharp rise in Hepatitis E cases linked to sausages
pig
The majority of Hepatitis E cases occur in people who have not travelled outside of the UK.
Experts warn infection is highly associated with consumption of processed pork

A sharp incline in Hepatitis E cases has been seen in England and Wales since 2010. Recent research has linked the rise to processed sausages, causing concern about hygiene practices.

According to figures from Public Health England, the number of cases rose from 274 in 2010 to 691 last year. Provisional data suggests there were 461 cases in the first six months of this year alone.

Hepatitis E is an illness of the liver caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is acquired through the consumption of undercooked or raw meat and shellfish.

While it usually resolves itself and causes only mild disease, it occasionally causes fatal liver failure, particularly in pregnant women or those with suppressed immune systems.

A study published recently in the Cambridge Journals states the consumption of pork pie, ham and sausages bought from a major supermarket chain was "significantly associated with indigenous infection".

Another recent study led by the Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency, now Animal Health and Plant Agency, found more than 90 per cent of British pigs were anti-HEV antibody positive.

Until recently it was believed in the UK that HEV could only be caught by travelling to parts of the world where it is endemic. It is now accepted however that the majority of cases are "indigenous" - occurring in people who have not travelled outside of the UK.

Authors of the study Hepatitis E virus in England and Wales: indigenous infection is associated with the consumption of processed pork products, published in the Cambridge Journals, said: "Although contamination of sausages with HEV has previously been shown this study also raises concerns about other processed pork products and whether current practice in preparing these products is sufficient to prevent transmission of HEV".

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.