Factors affecting Escherichia coli 0157:H7 hide contamination of feedlot cattle

Authors

  • L. G. Schneider College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39672
  • G. E. Erickson Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583
  • R. A. Moxley School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583
  • D. R. Smith College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39672

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20143701

Keywords:

Escherichia coli, E. coli, STEC 0157, terminal rectum mucosa, shedding, hide-to-carcass transfer, contamination, foodborne exposure

Abstract

Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (STEC 0157) is an enteric bacterium that can cause severe illness in humans. Cattle are important asymptomatic reservoirs for direct or indirect human exposure to STEC 0157. The STEC 0157 colonize the terminal rectum mucosa (TRM) of cattle, and colonized cattle have been defined as super-shedders because while colonized they are an important source of STEC 0157 to other cattle in the population. At harvest, hide-to-carcass transfer of STEC 0157 presents an important risk for beef contamination and human foodborne exposure. Our objective was to determine factors that increase prevalence of hide contamination.

Cover image of the 47th Conference Proceedings: An image of a herd of cattle in a field at dusk. Three cows are standing in the foreground, looking adorable. Yellow background.

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Published

2014-09-18

Issue

2014

Section

Research Summaries 1

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