Transmission Dynamics of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in New Zealand Cattle from Farm to Slaughter.

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dc.citation.issue11
dc.citation.volume87
dc.contributor.authorBrowne AS
dc.contributor.authorMidwinter AC
dc.contributor.authorWithers H
dc.contributor.authorCookson AL
dc.contributor.authorBiggs PJ
dc.contributor.authorMarshall JC
dc.contributor.authorBenschop J
dc.contributor.authorHathaway S
dc.contributor.authorRogers L
dc.contributor.authorNisa S
dc.contributor.authorHranac CR
dc.contributor.authorWinkleman T
dc.contributor.authorFrench NP
dc.date.accessioned2023-11-20T01:37:38Z
dc.date.available2021-06
dc.date.available2021-03-16
dc.date.available2023-11-20T01:37:38Z
dc.date.issued2021-05-11
dc.description(c) The Author/s
dc.description.abstractCattle are asymptomatic carriers of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichiacoli (STEC) strains that can cause serious illness or death in humans. In New Zealand, contact with cattle feces and living near cattle populations are known risk factors for human STEC infection. Contamination of fresh meat with STEC strains also leads to the potential for rejection of consignments by importing countries. We used a combination of PCR/matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to evaluate the presence and transmission of STEC on farms and in processing plants to better understand the potential pathways for human exposure and thus mitigate risk. Animal and environmental samples (n = 2,580) were collected from six farms and three meat processing plants in New Zealand during multiple sampling sessions in spring of 2015 and 2016. PCR/MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that 6.2% were positive for "Top 7" STEC. Top 7 STEC strains were identified in all sample sources (n = 17) tested. A marked increase in Top 7 STEC prevalence was observed between calf hides on farm (6.3% prevalence) and calf hides at processing plants (25.1% prevalence). Whole-genome sequencing was performed on Top 7 STEC bacterial isolates (n = 40). Analysis of STEC O26 (n = 25 isolates) revealed relatively low genetic diversity on individual farms, consistent with the presence of a resident strain disseminated within the farm environment. Public health efforts should focus on minimizing human contact with fecal material on farms and during handling, transport, and slaughter of calves. Meat processing plants should focus on minimizing cross-contamination between the hides of calves in a cohort during transport, lairage, and slaughter. IMPORTANCE Cattle are asymptomatic carriers of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains, which can cause serious illness or death in humans. Contact with cattle feces and living near cattle are known risk factors for human STEC infection. This study evaluated STEC carriage in young calves and the farm environment with an in-depth evaluation of six farms and three meat processing plants over 2 years. An advanced molecular detection method and whole-genome sequencing were used to provide a detailed evaluation of the transmission of STEC both within and between farms. The study revealed widespread STEC contamination within the farm environment, but no evidence of recent spread between farms. Contamination of young dairy calf hides increased following transport and holding at meat processing plants. The elimination of STEC in farm environments may be very difficult given the multiple transmission routes; interventions should be targeted at decreasing fecal contamination of calf hides during transport, lairage, and processing.
dc.description.publication-statusPublished
dc.identifierhttp://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000655912400025&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=c5bb3b2499afac691c2e3c1a83ef6fef
dc.identifierARTN e02907-20
dc.identifier.citationAPPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, 2021, 87 (11)
dc.identifier.doi10.1128/AEM.02907-20
dc.identifier.eissn1098-5336
dc.identifier.elements-id442592
dc.identifier.harvestedMassey_Dark
dc.identifier.issn0099-2240
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10179/17780
dc.publisherAmerican Society for Microbiology
dc.relation.isPartOfAPPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
dc.rightsCC BY 4.0
dc.subjectShiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli
dc.subjectgenomics
dc.subjectMALDI-TOF
dc.subjectOne Health
dc.subjectcattle
dc.titleTransmission Dynamics of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in New Zealand Cattle from Farm to Slaughter.
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.notesNot known
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University/College of Sciences
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University/College of Sciences/School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University/College of Sciences/School of Natural Sciences
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University/College of Sciences/School of Veterinary Science
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