Pathogenic potential of Escherichia coli O157 and O26 isolated from young Belgian dairy calves by recto-anal mucosal swab culturing

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of E. coli O157 and O26 on Belgian dairy cattle farms, the presence of virulence genes in the confirmed isolates, and the association of E. coli O26 presence with calf diarrhea. Methods and Results: In total, 233 recto‐anal mucosal swabs (RAMS) were obtained from healthy and diarrheic dairy calves on three farms, each alternately visited three consecutive times. RAMS were analyzed for presence of E. coli O157 and O26, and stx1, stx2 and eae virulence genes. Overall, 19% of RAMS tested positive for E. coli O157, while 31% tested... Mehr ...