Agency invites tenders for E.coli shedding

An international E.coli research workshop held by the FSA in Scotland in November 2011, concluded that there was a need for further studies to address the key knowledge gaps in relation to our understanding of E.coli O157 supershedding by cattle and how this pathogen can be controlled on UK farms.

A recent report published by the Agency highlighted that on-farm interventions could help to reduce the public risks associated with E.coli O157 in the UK.

It also noted that farmers would be willing to implement controls if further evidence for their efficacy, safety and public health benefit was demonstrated.

Proposals are invited for research that will improve the understanding of E.coli O157 excretion by cattle and the supershedding phenomenon, as well as how this pathogen can be controlled on-farm.

The Agency is seeking applied, useable outputs from this package of work which can be used to inform future on-farm control strategies for reducing the public health risk associated with this pathogen in the UK.

Proposals are being sought that will specifically address three research areas:

• E.coli O157 supershedding
• on-farm interventions to control E.coli O157
• the impact of diet and feeding practices on E.coli O157 colonisation

Applications should be submitted online using our electronic procurement system by the revised closing date of 5pm Wednesday 22 May 2013. To find out more about this call for tender, you will need to register as a supplier on ePPS via the link below.