Scottish cattle have been found to shed higher levels of E coli 0157 –phage type (PT) 21/28, which is known to cause severe human infection according to a Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency report. The paper published this week states that the dangerous strain of E coli is associated with super-shedding cattle who pass bacteria on in faeces. This has contributed to E coli 0157 infections being three times higher in Scotland than England and Wales.

England and Wales were shown to have a wider diversity of types of E coli 0157 whilst Scotland has higher levels of certain more danger types. Results showed that approximately 20% of farms and 10% of animals were positive for E coli O157 based on faecal pat sampling.

The research also trialled a vaccine, developed to limit E coli O157 excretion from and transmission between cattle.

Results indicated that the vaccine may be effective in reducing human exposure and infection from E coli O157. However, before a vaccine can be marketed, further work is needed to assess if it is practical to be used on-farm and if it is an effective public health intervention.

Food Standards Scotland’s Head of Food Protection Science and Surveillance, Dr Jacqui McElhiney, said:

“Scotland has historically had the highest levels of E coli O157 infection in the UK and, despite our best efforts, the number of people affected has remained stubbornly stable. This research has shed some light on the possible reasons for this, and it’s really encouraging to see the progress that has been made in developing a potential vaccine for controlling it.

“We commend all of the organisations involved in this innovative project – the success of the research is testament to the world-recognised expertise of all of the scientists involved.”

NFU Scotland Policy Manager Penny Middleton said: “We want consumers to have confidence in the safety of beef all the way from the farmgate to the plate.

“Although the results of this report are a concern for Scottish cattle keepers, it is good to have this information to better understand the issue and identify more effective, targeted regimes to tackle it.

“The development of a vaccine is a positive step and it will be interesting to see how this develops and can fit into effective, practical and affordable control programmes.”

Scotland has invested heavily in E Coli research ever since the 1984 outbreak from a butchers shop in Lanark which lead to in an enquiry into associated 21 deaths. Despite a now sophisticated understanding of this pathogen, the levels of E coli O157-associated human disease in the UK have remained relatively constant over the subsequent 25-year period.