September 27, 2006

E. coli does not only affect grain-fed cattle

E. coli O157:H7, is not just found in grain-fed or grass-fed cattle but on any cattle that feeds on hay and other fibrous forage, according to a veterinarian at Kansas State University.

In fact, other animals such as deer, sheep, goats, bison and many others can have E. coli, said Dr. David Renter, assistant professor of veterinary epidemiology.

Renter dismissed recent media reports that feeding cattle grass would make it  less susceptible to the bacteria. In fact, such a change may even increase E. coli O157:H7 in cattle, he said.

Although cattle diet can affect levels of E. coli O157:H7, it is a complex area that is not very well understood. To suggest switching cattle from grain to forage based on incomplete understanding is irresponsible, Renter said.

He also added that although the current spinach outbreak may be traced back to cattle manure, the bacteria may well have come from many other sources.