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New report tackles pathogens on livestock farms
Foodborne pathogens are responsible for 2.4 million cases of disease in the UK population each year.
It examines risk factors and potential interventions.

A new report from Moredun Research Institute has uncovered the risk factors of, and possible interventions against, foodborne pathogens at livestock farms.

The study, commissioned by Food Standards Scotland and the Scottish government, seeks to reduce the risks of people developing illnesses from contaminated animals.

Foodborne pathogens are microbes which, when transmitted to humans, can cause serious illness. They are usually transmitted through consumption of infected food, or contact with products at any part of the food chain.

They cause approximately 2.4 million cases of disease in the UK population each year.

Moredun Research Institute investigated how the harmful microbes were entering livestock farm environments. It also followed how pathogens were transmitting to livestock and spreading, mainly through faecal contamination.

The research group says that it is vital that livestock farms examine their management practices to help reduce the risks.

This includes quarantining, biosecurity, hygiene, cleaning and disinfection. Livestock farms should also consider how they manage stocking density and age groups, housing, bedding and feed.

The group suggests that more targeted intervention, such as vaccination, may also be beneficial.

It recommends vaccines currently available to reduce production diseases in livestock, which can be caused by the same pathogens causing foodborne diseases. The use of such vaccines may not only tackle production diseases, but also impact the transmission of foodborne pathogens.

The full report also reveals the findings of a survey of livestock farmers, which sought to gather thoughts on the risks of foodborne pathogens and the potential intervention strategies.

Lee Innes, a professor at Moredun Research Institute, said: “We have welcomed the opportunity to investigate options that may be applied on livestock farms to reduce the risk and impact of foodborne pathogens.

“We are keen to continue our engagement with farmers to help identify specific risks along with development of practical intervention strategies that are applicable and appropriate for individual farm businesses."

Jane Horne, from Food Standards Scotland, said: "Protecting the public from foodborne pathogens requires a proactive approach at every stage of the food supply chain, starting with primary production.

“This report provides valuable insights into managing on-farm risks and highlights practical steps farmers can take to reduce the presence and transmission of these harmful microbes.”

The full report can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
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.