The Use of an Experimental Vaccine in Gestating Beef Cows to Reduce the Shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in the Newborn Calf

Objective

1. To determine if vaccinating a gestating beef cow with an experimental E. coli O157:H7
vaccine will transfer antibodies to the newborn calf in an attempt to reduce shedding of E.
coli O157:H7 between birth and branding.
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2. To determine how long the antibody titers will persist in the suckling calf past branding
(if the primary objective is successful).

More information

Findings: Due to limited number of animals found positive for fecal samples in this study, additional research is needed to establish the potential effectiveness of vaccines against E. coli O157:H7 in preharvest interventions. Additionally the blood titer results have not been received yet. The final report will be sent to NCBA as soon as it is received and analyzed. Fecal samples have been analyzed by Food Safety Net in San Antonio, TX and blood antibody titers will be analyzed by Ft. Dodge, Animal Health Inc., the provider of the experimental vaccine.

<P> For complete projects details, view the <a href="http://www.beefresearch.org/CMDocs/BeefResearch/The%20Use%20of%20an%20E…; target="_blank">Project Summary. </a>

Investigators

Paterson, John

Institution

Montana State University

Start date

2003

End date

2004

Funding Source

Nat'l. Cattlemen's Beef Assoc.

Project number

BC-2003-9