E.coli plea

A scientific report into Scotland's E.coli outbreak which has claimed 16 lives has called for more research into occurrences of the bacteria in Scottish cattle and to help forecast likely outbreaks. Scottish Secretary Michael Forsyth revealed in a Commons statement the interim findings of Hugh Pennington, the Aberdeen University expert heading the inquiry into the outbreak. Mr Forsyth agreed with Professor Pennington's call for better warning and surveillance systems, more research into the risks posed by E.coli and better communication between local and central government to tackle outbreaks.