The latest findings have not yet been accepted for publication by the scientific press. Nevertheless, Action Research is recommending that the tens of thousands of people at risk of contracting the bowel disease not drink pasteurised milk. Up to 80,000 people in Britain are thought to be affected by Crohn's Disease, a chronic inflammation of the intestine which causes prolonged pain, ill health and disability. There are between 7,000 and 8,000 new cases a year, and the incidence is increasing. Young adults are particularly prone.
Current research suggests people with an inherited or acquired susceptibility are most at risk.
Milk from infected animals is thrown away. But milk from other cows in affected herds is sold for pasteurisation, which does not completely destroy the bacteria. Action Research has just prepared a proposal to try to improve the ability to detect this bacterium in human tissue. The U.K. Department of Health is aware of the research findings but has not endorsed the advice to avoid pasteurised milk. Frustrated at the lack of movement on the EU ban on British beef, Prime Minister John Major is considering retaliatory measures, such as banning imports of European beef and other foods.