Natural Resources, School of
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
2001
Citation
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, (2001) 37(4): 755–760.
Abstract
In order to determine the prevalence and distribution of the human pathogen, Escherichia coli O157:H7, in free-ranging deer, hunters were asked to collect and submit fecal samples from deer harvested during a regular firearm season (14–22 November 1998). Prior to the season, 47% of the hunters with permits in the southeastern Nebraska (USA) study area indicated a willingness to participate in the study. Approximately 25% of successful hunters in the area submitted deer fecal samples. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was cultured from four (0.25%) of 1,608 total samples submitted. All of the fecal samples that were properly identified (1,426) and all that were positive for E. coli O157:H7 were from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We were unable to detect a statistically significant geographic distribution pattern of E. coli O157:H7. The presence of E. coli O157:H7 in the feces of free-ranging deer has implications not only for hunters, consumers of venison, and others in contact with deer or deer feces, but also for the development of strategies aimed at reducing and/or controlling this pathogen in water sources and domestic livestock.
Included in
Animal Diseases Commons, Environmental Health Commons, Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Other Immunology and Infectious Disease Commons, Pathogenic Microbiology Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
Comments
Copyright 2001, Wildlife Disease Association. Used by permission.