E. coli 0157:H7 not limited to grain-fed cattle, K-State expert says

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Source: Dr. David Renter, 785-532-4801, drenter@vet.k-state.edu

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

E. coli O157:H7 NOT LIMITED TO GRAIN-FED CATTLE, K-STATE EXPERT SAYS

MANHATTAN -- E. coli O157:H7, which has been linked to the current spinach outbreak, is not just found in cattle fed on a diet of strictly grains, according to a veterinarian at Kansas State University.

"Cattle fed on grass, hay and other fibrous forage can have E. coli O157:H7 in their feces as can other animals including deer, sheep, goats, bison, opossum, raccoons, birds and many others," said Dr. David Renter, assistant professor of veterinary epidemiology.

"While many media outlets have recently stated E. coli O157:H7 can be avoided by feeding cattle grass only, this is not the case," Renter said.

"Cattle diet can affect levels of E. coli O157:H7, but this is a complex issue that has been and continues to be studied."

To suggest switching cattle from grain to forage based on a small piece of the scientific evidence is inappropriate and irresponsible, Renter said.

"Several pieces of evidence suggest that such a change would not eliminate and may even increase E. coli O157:H7 in cattle," he added.

"Simplistically attacking one facet of livestock production may be politically expedient, but instead provides a false sense of security and ignores the biological realities of E. coli O157:H7," Renter said. "The current spinach outbreak may be traced back to cattle manure, but there are many other potential sources."