VTEC Environment Sub Group -20 June 2016

Looking at Ecoli O157 spread and public health risks.

The VTEC/E. coli 0157 Action plan for Scotland was published in November 2013. Since then several sub-groups have been working towards addressing the 86 recommendations contained within the plan.

Animal colonisation from contaminated animal faeces via food, water, the environment or directly was identified as a particular risk for the maintenance and onward transmission of infection and this led to the following recommendation which is currently being looked at by the Environmental sub-group:

Recommendation:. 2.1 SG and QMS, in consultation with FSS, should work with livestock hauliers, markets, and slaughterhouses to develop criteria for adequate cleansing and disinfection facilities for vehicles used to transport livestock – which could be included in the QMS standards – and feed back to the VTEC/E. coli 0157 Action Group

In the course of Scottish Government review it has become apparent that, whilst the legislative requirements under The Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 are clear and that there are various associated standards and guidance currently in operation (including those issued by QMS), there is also evidence to suggest a great degree of variability in how (and where) cleansing and disinfection is being performed. This has led to concerns amongst the group that potential risks around unwanted transmission of VTEC/E. coli 0157 (and possibly other infectious agents) may remain.

In order to look at this issue in more detail the group felt it would be helpful to set up a short life working group involving key representatives from the relevant areas of the food supply chain to further discuss the following topics:

1) The effectiveness of current approaches towards ensuring adequate cleansing and disinfection of vehicles used to transport livestock.
The meeting felt that cleaning was being carried out but disinfection of vehicles was something that could not be enforced. Brechin was the only abattoir logged as disinfecting. Hauliers Association said that they wash out at other hauliers or at marts because facilities were not always good at abattoirs. Auctioneers said that they provide facilities but rarely used by farmers who do not want to use them. 24 hour derogation tends to be used & 'hobby farmers.”
Definition of adequate would be necessary.
2) Views on the current legislation and standards – and any barriers to achieving these.
3) Ways of improving compliance and how these might be enforced.
Non compliance
2) Ways of improving access to cleansing and disinfection facilities
4) Ways of improving understanding about the health risks of not performing cleansing and disinfection to appropriate standards
SAMW said that the application of a clean livestock policy would assist.
5) Opportunities for training and communications to ensure best practice is followed.

It was suggested that it is a sub set of people who are causing the problem, possibly keeping livestock out on a farm until the last moment to achieve greatest weight. Abattoirs recover costs from farmers for cleaning dirty animals. There appeared to be no legislation to penalise dirty animals and one of the avenues to pursue would be a clean cattle policy.

Training and communications might require emphasis. Safety might be an NFUS work plan.