Veterinary significance of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157

Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 is a serious pathogen in man that is carried by ruminants and has been isolated from some other animal s pecies. Except in the very young of certain species and in greyhounds, the organism is not associated with disease in animals. Humans may be infected by ingestion of the organism through direct animal contact, from contaminat ed food or water or from the environment. Great efforts have been made to i mprove hygienic food production and handling, to protect water supplies and to give adequate advice to people handling animals. It is also essential t o try to reduce the numbers of organisms shed by animals and, to do this, a clear understanding of the ecology of the organism is required.