FSA: E-coli cases rise 118% in 2012
There has been a 118% increase in cases of farm related e-coli in the last year..
Figures from the Food Safety Authority show there were 251 cases of the strain known as Vero toxigenic e-coli in 2011, but this rose to 547 in 2012.
Most of these cases occurred in rural areas - almost half occurred in children under five.
Most e-coli bacteria are harmless but some can cause severe stomach pains and can also progress to cause kidney failure.
The Food Safety Authority is reminding farmers to ensure they have robust hygiene practices in place to reduce the risk of infection.
