Over one hundred and fifty years ago the first public health legislation was brought in to help prevent disease and protect the health of the general public. In the 21st century this work is still carried out by the staff in West Dunbartonshire Council's Environmental Health Section.
The nature and scope of the work has changed beyond recognition from those early days. However, the aim is still to protect the health of all sections of society by encouraging good practice and enforcing laws that protect safety and health in the community.
Environmental Health staff work in partnership with other council departments and outside agencies such as health boards, public utilities (e.g. Scottish Water) and national organisations such as the Food Standards Agency and the Health & Safety Executive. Together we strive to maintain high standards of environmental and public health across the whole of West Dunbartonshire.
For local people, we are at the frontline of tackling issues that affect the quality of everyday life. Investigation of complaints about clean air; noise; sampling of foodstuffs and water supplies; maintaining and raising standards of safety and hygiene; treatment of vermin and insects; licensing activities; and inspecting the area for statutory nuisances.
E. coli O157 and Leisure Farms
Godstone Farm in Surrey closed voluntarily on 12th September as a result of an outbreak of E. coli O157 linked to the premises. The Health Protection Agency has requested that local councils inspect similar premises in their area, that are open to the public and allow visitors to see and pet farm animals, to ensure that the facilities comply with health & safety and public health requirements.
Current veterinary and medical opinion is that it should be assumed all cattle, sheep, goats and deer carry E. coli O157. It is also found in a range of other animals and birds including geese and seagulls. Effective hand washing after contact with such animals is therefore essential.
Enviromental Health Officers have recently inspected the leisure farm within West Dunbartonshire to ensure that hygiene facilities were satisfactory and to reaffirm the Health Protection Agency guidance.
Guidance for visitors to farms has been produced by Health Protection Scotland and the Scottish Agricultural College.
Further Information
