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ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Meat Safety and Quality » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #250327
Title: Escherichia coli O157:H7: Recent Advances in Research on Occurrence, Transmission, and Control in Cattle and the Production Environment

Author
item Berry, Elaine
item Wells, James - Jim

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/2/2010
Publication Date: 8/6/2010
Citation: Berry, E.D., Wells, J. 2010. Escherichia coli O157:H7: Recent Advances in Research on Occurrence, Transmission, and Control in Cattle and the Production Environment. In: Taylor, Steve L. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research. Volume 60. Burlington: Elsevier. p. 67-118.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen that is an important cause of human food- and waterborne disease, with a spectrum of illnesses ranging from asymptomatic carriage and diarrhea to the sometimes fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome. Outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 disease are frequently associated with undercooked beef, but there are other sources of transmission, including water, produce, and animal contact, which can often be linked directly or indirectly to cattle. Thus, preharvest control of this pathogen in cattle production should have a large impact on reducing the risk of human foodborne illness. In this review, we will summarize preharvest research on E. coli O157:H7 in cattle and the production environment, focusing on factors that may influence the transmission, prevalence and levels of this pathogen, such as season, diet, high-level shedders, and animal stress. In addition, we will discuss recent research on the reduction of this pathogen in cattle production, including vaccination, probiotics, bacteriophage, and manure treatments.