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Old 30-05-2012, 12:26 AM posted to uk.rec.gardening
Christina Websell Christina Websell is offline
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Default Wash your hands after handling that muck. Legionella longbeachae


"shazzbat" wrote in message
...

"Pendrag0n" wrote in message
...
I suspect this go on in England a lot more but given the useless GPs
we seem to have in abundance these days it probably remnains
undiagnosed. So if you're going to catch anything do it in Oz or
Scotland.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-18206191


Gardeners told 'wash off compost'By Eleanor Bradford

BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

Gardening is a healthy hobby but there are risks, says Dr Donaghy
Gardeners are being warned to wash their hands after using compost
following a series of Legionella cases in Scotland over the past five
years.

One man has died and five others have become ill after contracting a
rare strain called 'Legionella longbeachae', which appears to come
from compost.

The unusual strain is well known in Australia and New Zealand, where
bags of compost carry warning labels.

But these are the first cases linked to compost to be confirmed in the
UK.

As many gardeners head out to their gardens and allotments to enjoy
the warm weather, experts are warning them to wash their hands after
using compost, particularly before eating or smoking.


So, health advice in Scotland. Smoke, but wash your hands first.
Brilliant.

Steve


That's unlikely to have been said.