HL Deb 25 May 1999 vol 601 cc80-1WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Donoughue on 4 May (WA 83) and Baroness Hayman on 12 May (WA 148), whether the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is aware of the work of the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research conducted between April 1994 and March 1997 into the survivability of E. coli 0157 on grassland; and [HL2563]

In the light of the findings by the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research on the survivability of E. coli 0157 on grassland, what action have they taken, or propose to take, to advise farmers and waste disposal companies of the possible dangers of the infection of farm livestock by the organism when contaminated waste is spread on grassland or fodder crops; and what measures they advise to prevent the spread of the organism to livestock; and [HL2564]

Why, when knowledge of the survivability of E. coli 0157 on grassland has been available since 1997 and farm animal produce is implicated as the cause of human infection, investigations are not made into the means by which the animals have become infected. [HL2565]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Donoughue)

The Government are aware of the findings of the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research into the survival ofE. coli 0157 on grassland.

A structured programme of research and risk assessment on the use of all organic wastes on land is being carried out. This work will provide information relating to the survival of E.coli, including E.coli 0157, in farmyard manure, farm slurry and human sewage sludge applied to land.

In addition, the Government are funding research into the epidemiology, pathogenesis and distribution of infection of E.coli 0157 in cattle and sheep; distribution and spread of the organism within farm environments; and into methods for control of this organism in the ruminant gut and farm environment. There is also a surveillance programme.

However, the Government are not yet in a position to advise farmers on measures which may be taken to prevent or reduce livestock infection.