09/03/08 More e coli news

Beef recalls caused by E. coli contamination always get top news coverage, so I think any progress or new development combating E. coli should receive attention. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back with new news. E. coli contamination of beef or suspected contamination seems to get plenty of press. You know, if it is verified E. coli problems should be made known. But, I think any advancement in fighting E. coli should be reported also. The beef industry and many agricultural universities are working hard toward reduction of E. coli contamination in beef products. Recently I told you about a research team from the College of Agriculture at North Dakota Sate University that had seen some promising results in E. coli population reductions in feedlot cattle by feeding Direct Fed Microbials in the cattle's ration. Now, I just read a question and answer article in Western Livestock Reporter submitted by Glen Selk, OSU Extension Cattle Reproduction Specialist on the results of a vaccine to reduce E. coli. Montana State University animal scientists and USDA scientists vaccinated seventy-one cows in their last trimester of gestation with an experimental vaccine and then put them with sixty-six head of non-vaccinated cows. Results indicated an increased antibody titer and less E. coli 0157:H7 shedding in the vaccinated cows and this positive reduction was passed on to their newborn calves. Progress paves the way for even better progress. I'm Jeff Keane. Western Livestock Reporter 8/20/08