Escherichia coli O157:H7 in healthy dairy cows

Authors: Buncic S, Avery SM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 45, Issue 2, pp 45-48, Apr 1997
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Infectious disease, Disease/defect, Contamination/hygiene, Meat, Public health, Slaughter, Zoonosis
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Faecal samples were taken from 371 cows originating from 55 dairy farms and slaughtered at one slaughterhouse; tonsils were taken from 215 of these animals. Escherichia coli 0157:H7 was found in the faeces of only two animals and was not found in any tonsils. The farm supplying the first positive cow detected at the slaughterhouse was visited 3 months later and 160 animals (80 cows and 80 heifers) were tested by rectal swabs; E. coli 0157:H7 was not isolated.

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