Quick, Accurate E. Coli Detection Test Would Benefit Cattle Industry, Beef Consumers

Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a molecular assay that can detect and quantify major genes specific for the deadly bacteria E. coli in cattle feed. If widely adopted, the test would identify pathogenic Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 before it had a chance to contaminate beef. That would not only benefit the cattle industry by preventing costly recalls, it would benefit consumers by ensuring the safety of the beef supply.  The new test is rapid and less labor-intensive than current detection methods, and can be automated to allow testing many samples in a short period of time.