What Farms Need To Know About E.coli

In 2024, CDC investigated an outbreak of E.coli in several farms in the U.S. The affected products were carrots, cheddar cheese, onion, and walnuts. From the investigation, it was discovered none of the products had expired. Therefore, contamination occurred during processing, packing, or storage. Although the investigation has ended, a recall was issued. This was done to prevent a recurrence. What is E.coli? How can farms prevent a recurrence? These will be addressed in this post.

What is E.coli

E.coli is a Gram-negative bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Most strains are harmless and are part of the normal gastrointestinal flora. However, there are six pathogenic types responsible for the common symptoms of infections in humans.

How Does It Occur In Farms

1. Contaminated GIT content

Pathogenic E.coli can be found in the GIT of infected farm animals. At slaughter, the bacteria can spread to other parts. This increases the risk of contamination.

2. Infected udder or milking pot

Milking an unclean or infected udder is a source of contamination. Another source is the use of unsterilized milking equipment. Both increase the chances of getting E.coli into raw milk.

3. Agricultural runoff

This is peculiar to farms that combine animal rearing and vegetable production. Water containing feces or manure, washed off by erosion may carry E.coli, which can contaminate vegetables or crops. Common vegetables and herbs that are affected include spinach, carrot, onion, and lettuce.

4. Soil and fertilization practices

The best types of manure are the processed and fully composed. Pathogenic E.coli can get into the soil via infected manure specifically, those from animal feces. Adding manure during the harvest season increases the chance of the bacteria on crops or vegetation. The fastest means of contamination is through contact or roots.

5. Human activity and farm equipment

Animal handlers, farm attendants, and workers in charge of disposing manure can spread E.coli if they do not observe proper hygiene regime. Contaminated surfaces, equipment and tools can spread the bacteria when not properly sanitized.

6. Cross-contamination during harvest and processing

Let’s create a scenario. Cattle A has E.coli while cattle B doesn’t. However, during the slaughtering and packaging process, there was cross-contamination from A to B. Cross-contamination can occur if the gut content from infected cattle is in contact with healthy cattle. Another route is through water, especially if the same water used for one animal is used for another. Also, cross-contamination occurs in cash crops and vegetables. And it follows the same process.

How to Prevent a recurrence

1. Isolation

Diarrhoea is a common symptom seen in farm animals with E.coli. Once observed, isolate the sick ones from the healthy. Do not slaughter sick animals until they have been treated and declared infection-free by a vet. Slaughtering a sick animal further increases the chances of the infection.

2. Good hygiene

Good hygiene practices and sanitation can prevent E.coli from invading a farm. Some key practices include:

• Thoroughly washing feeders and drinkers before and after use.
• Sanitize all surfaces and floors.
• Proper disposal of manure.
• Wash hands with soap, water, and sanitizer.
• Farm and ranch workers should not eat in farmhouses to protect themselves and those around them.

3. Wear protective clothing

Wear protective clothing before entering the farm or ranch. Remember to take it off after use. Have dedicated footwears for farming activities. Other protective equipment includes gloves for handling fecal materials and nose masks to protect against diseases.

4. Restricting visitor access to prevent disease transmission

Visitors and non-farm workers should not be allowed on farms without PPE. This is for biosecurity reasons and to prevent the spread of the bacteria. They must wash their hands with soap, water, and sanitizers before entering and leaving the farm.

5. Restricting access for high-risk groups

Immunocompromised individuals should avoid farms and agricultural settlements. These include pregnant women, children below 5 and people above 65 years old. They should not be seen in farms because of their weak or developing immune system.

Other protective means include:

• Cleaning the udder and milking equipment before and after milking.
• Do not dispose of fecal matter into water bodies, especially if it serves as the farm’s source of water.
• Do not apply manure at the harvest season to prevent E.coli infection.

Farms can control E.coli by adhering to basic hygiene principles. If there is an outbreak, shutdown temporarily and notify relevant authorities. Recall every batch of food or animal products sent out before the outbreak. This is for the public safety.