Safeguarding public and animal health
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Escherichia coli research
During the last ten years, VLA has been working with farmers, private veterinary practices and abattoirs all over England and Wales to investigate the epidemiology of VTEC O157 in cattle.
The research involved a variety of large in field and on-farm studies with the aim to:
- Estimate prevalence of the bacteria in cattle
- Describe dynamics of the pathogen within and between animals and herds
- Identify risk factors
- Establish effectiveness of different interventions to reduce the shedding of VTEC O157.
The research has provided a robust evidence-base behind five husbandry practices or interventions on cattle farms that can reduce VTEC O157 in cattle. These are:
- Dry clean bedding
- Stable rearing groups
- Closed herd policy
- Avoiding direct contact between cattle from different herds
- Storing manure/slurry and dirty water before spreading.
Further details of the recommended practices and the research that generate the evidence base are available in:
- scientific journals
- VLA's leaflet on VTEC O157 in cattle (342kb pdf)
- Or further information can be requested from VLA directly by email: fbzs@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk
VLA continues to conduct research to gain a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of E. coli and to determine what virulence factors are essential for pathogenesis and how these factors interact with the host.
To date a number of virulence determinants have been identified and specific colonisation factors found in poultry, pigs and small ruminants.
Further work is focused on understanding transmission dynamics and how host and environmental factors may influence colonisation and persistence in farm animal species.
The aim of enhanced knowledge of the biology of these important pathogens is to develop different type of interventions targeted to control VTEC O157.