Aim: To describe the distribution of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on a sporadically positive dairy farm and on possible contact farms over a one-year period.
Methods and results: Environmental and faecal samples from all animals at the farm, and faecal samples from animals at contact farms were analysed for E. coli O157:H7 by immunomagnetic separation methods or VIDAS. Confirmed isolates were tested for cytotoxicity in the Vero cell assay and typed by PFGE. Escherichia coli O157:H7 (stx2 and eae) of the same PFGE type were isolated from cattle, sheep, hens and environmental samples at variable levels during summer and fall 2002, but were not detected in 2003.
Conclusions: Escherichia coli O157:H7 had a widespread distribution on the farm investigated, but the original source of contamination could not be identified. The occurrence of this bacterium on the farm did not result in any detectable increase in gastrointestinal disease in the associated population.
Significance and impact of the study: Despite a low endemic level of E. coli O157:H7 in the Norwegian cattle population, the growth and spread of this potentially important bacterium may occur.