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Title: SHIGA-TOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7 IN LOUISIANA DAIRY HERDS

Author
item DUNN, JOHN - LOUISIANA STATE UNIV
item Keen, James
item THOMPSON, R. - UNIVERSITY OF MONTREAL

Submitted to: International Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2003
Publication Date: 10/1/2003
Citation: Dunn, J.R., Keen, J.E., Thompson, R.A. 2003. Shiga-toxigenic Echerichia coli O157:H7 in Louisiana dairy herds. Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium for Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, November 17-21, 2003, Vina del Mar, Chile. p. 1-6.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 [STEC] in Louisiana dairy cattle fecal samples was estimated by selectively enriching, separating by immunomagnetic beads (IMS), and spread plating. Indirect ELISA or PCR confirmed STEC suspect colonies. Summary prevalence estimates in 13 herds were 38.5% and cow-level 6.5%, which were higher during spring (13.3%) and summer (10.5%) than in fall or winter (1.04%). STEC estimates in the oral cavity, on dorsal hide surfaces, and feces were 0%, 0.7%, and 25.2% (n=135). Results suggest that Louisiana dairy cattle seasonally shed STEC, STEC prevalence varies greatly between herds, and that viable organisms exist on hide surfaces.