Feedlots Contribute to E.coli Contamination, Study Finds

According to a recent study, cattle hides are more likely to be contaminated with E. coli at the feedlot than at the slaughterhouse, and that transport and lairage do not increase the number or isolation rate.

The study conflicts with previous studies that have found transport and lairage can lead to increased levels of E. coli on cattle hides.

Research regarding hide contamination is critical in understanding how E. coli spreads between animals, as there is often a greater prevalence of the pathogen on hides than in cattle feces.

The most common cause of carcass contamination is cross-contamination with hides during slaughter and processing.