World's First Cattle Vaccine to Reduce E. coli O157 Threat Receives Full Licensing Approval...(r that humans are exposed to and thusdro...),Health

On-farm interventions to reduce the shedding of E. coli O157:H7 by cattle, such as simple vaccination of cattle with Econiche, have the potential to reduce food and water contamination and the consequences associated with human infection with the deadly bacteria. Clinical trials conducted with Econiche have shown a significant reduction in the amount of E. coli shed in the manure of vaccinated cows.

"We've been trying to do our part to be an industry leader in food safety," said Kym Anthony, owner of specialty beef producer Top Meadow Farms in Clarksburg, Ontario, who has been using the vaccine for the past year under Permit to Distribute Veterinary Biologics. "The E. coli vaccine fits into that. It's been a missing link in the industry thus far."

Human exposure and infection with E. coli O157:H7 can result in serious health consequences, including abdominal pain and severe bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, kidney damage can occur and progress to serious complications and even death.

"The announcement of this vaccine's full Canadian licence is great news," said Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit, which includes the town of Walkerton, Ontario, where seven people died and more than 2,000 became ill in May 2000 as a result of contamination of the town's water supply with E. coli O157:H7 in cattle manure from a local farm. "This is an innovative way to reduce this public health risk."

Another important risk area for the public to be infected by the bacteria is through contact with farm animals at petting zoos and agricultural exhibitions. Vaccinating these animals with Econiche can help greatly reduce this risk of bacteria transmission, something that has been recognized by the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (C.A.F.E.).

"C.A.F.E. supports any intervention that will reduce the amount of E. coli O157
'/>"/>