Develop Optimal Methods for Sampling/Colonal Feces, Hides and Carcasses to Test for the Presence of E. coli  O157:H7 and Salmonella spp.

Objectives

To identify optimal methods to sample and test for the presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. in feces inside the gastrointestinal tract, in the contaminants on the outside surfaces of animals and in visible/invisible contamination on the inside and outside surfaces of carcasses.

Conclusions

Results indicated a three-site sponge sampling method appeared to be an adequate technique for sampling hides. Although sponge sampling did not result in incidence or prevalence levels statistically different (P > 0.05) from other sampling methods, results suggested that sponge sampling was, at a minimum, as effective as was any other sampling method.  Results also indicated that the laboratory techniques used for the detection and isolation of E. coli O157:H7 from feces require more research. Additionally, if detection of E. coli O157:H7 is to be mandatory at the carcass level, a more economically reasonable analytical protocol for testing feces and hides must be identified.

Deliverable

This study provided a useful comparison of various E. coli O157:H7 sampling methods in use by the industry. In addition, this study resulted in a white paper of pre-harvest interventions for E. coli.