Investigation into the Efficacy of Bdellovibrio Bacteriovorus as a Novel Pre‐Harvest Intervention to Control Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Spp. in Cattle Using an in Vitro Model

<p>Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 are just 2 of the many pathogens responsible for several foodborne illness outbreaks each year. Cattle commonly harbor these pathogens in their gastrointestinal tracts; thus, these pathogens are capable of contaminating beef products. Interventions administered to cattle prior to slaughter are aimed at reducing or eliminating pathogen populations within the animal, thereby reducing the opportunity for our beef supply to be contaminated. Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is a gram‐negative microorganism that preys upon other gram‐negative microorganisms, including Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7. Fortunately, B. bacteriovorus is also harmless to human and animal tissues. Given the previously published effectiveness of B. bacteriovorus to reduce gram‐negative populations, the potential of this microorganism to reduce foodborne pathogen populations warrants investigation.</p>