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14 May 1998 |
Ref 98/121 |
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Dr Dale Hancock from Washington State University believes we can reduce
the risk of dangerous E. coli strains entering the food chain by some practical
precautions on the farm.
Dangerous forms of E coli have caused numerous deaths since E.coli 0157
was first identified in 1982. World concern was ignited when four people
died in the USA in 1993 due to E. coli 0157 from contaminated and
undercooked hamburgers. Similar outbreaks in Scotland, Japan and South
Australia remind us that E. coli is a threat to health, and damages the
clean, green image of Australian agricultural products.
We need to reduce the risk of E. coli contamination in food, especially
in meat. Dr Hancock has been studying the ecology of E. coli 0157
at the Field Disease Investigation Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Washington State University.
"We've shown that E. coli 0157 is widespread in nature, occurring
naturally and sporadically in the gastrointestinal flora of humans, cattle,
deer, sheep, dogs, horses, birds, and perhaps other species," Dr Hancock
said.
"It is at least intermittently present in most cattle farms in the
US where it appears to behave as one of a multitude of transient E. coli
strains that typically occur on any farm."
Dr Hancock's research suggests that E. coli 0157 can not be controlled
by traditional means such as eradication or test and removal of carrier
animals. There may be potential for vaccines or therapeutics in the future
but these would require substantial research and development.
Dr Hancock believes there are some practical steps that can be taken on-farm
right now.
"Our work suggests that E. coli survives and multiplies on-farm
in feed and in water troughs," said Dr Hancock. "My two top tips
are:
> E. coli 0157 grows in wet feeds, but growth can be stopped by using mixed rations containing silage with high levels of certain acids;
> frequent cleaning and appropriate sanitation of water troughs would potentially prevent replication and/or long term maintenance of E. coli 0157 in sediments."
Dr Hancock's studies are continuing, with the aim of substantially reducing
the prevalence of E. coli O157 in cattle on farms and in meatworks.
While in Australia, he will also be briefed on CSIRO and Food Science Australia's
research into on-farm and processing management of dangerous E. coli
strains
Dr Dale Hancock's research was presented at the 1998 Snowdon Lecture, Thursday
14 May at CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong.
Dr Hancock will also be speaking around the nation.
Launceston on Monday 18 May 1998 at 11.00am, Science Lecture
Theatre, Launceston Campus University of Tasmania
Melbourne on Tuesday 19 May 1998 6.30pm, Woodruff Theatre, Department
of Microbiology, University of Melbourne
Sydney on Thursday 21 May 1998 10.30am, Sydney Exhibition &
Convention Centre, AVA Annual Conference
The Snowdon Lecture honours Bill Snowdon, the Foundation Chief of CSIRO
Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL). The Australian Society of Microbiology
and the Australian Veterinary Association have generously supported Dr
Hancock's lecture and tour.
A copy of Dr Hancock's paper, and background information is available at
www.ah.csiro.au
For further information contact Mr Ian McTaggart, CSIRO Animal Health
on 03 5227 5426, e-mail ian.mctaggart@dah.csiro.au
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