HL Deb 12 May 1999 vol 600 c148WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the results of the research conducted by scientists at the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, and in particular by Dr. A Maule, on the survivability of E. coli 0157 on grassland. [HL2371]

Baroness Hayman

The potential for survival ofE. coli 0157 on grassland was studied at the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research during April 1994 to March 1997. It was demonstrated that E. coli 0157 could survive for more than 150 days in rooted grass soil cores and 90 days in cattle faeces. Survival was much reduced in cattle slurry (20 days) and river water (15 days).