Reducing E Coli 0157 Risk in Rural Comunities

<p>This RELU (Rural Economy and Land Use)&nbsp;project brings together the disciplines of geography, sociology, economics, medicine, microbiology, ecology and food science to carry out the research needed to advise a range of stakeholders with the scientific information needed to reduce the risk of human Escherichia coli O157 infection in UK rural communities.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;Current outbreaks of human diseases and food safety concerns caused by food borne pathogens such as E. coli O157 flag a serious lack of knowledge and understanding about the factors which determine the numbers and spread of these human food-borne pathogens in rural and agricultural environments. The pathogens mainly enter the food chain from faecal contamination of meat products, but there are an increasing number of outbreaks linked to direct contact with contaminated water, soil and livestock. This project studies the key pathogen E. coli O157 which has been identified by the Food Standards Agency as posing a major risk to human health. It is also a threat to visitors and tourists in countryside areas. Through 6, integrated work packages, and the use of 2 case study areas (NE Scotland and N Wales), the research will provide information to ensure rural policies minimise the risks to rural communities from E. coli O157.</p>