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Title: RESIDUAL STEC O157 AND SALMONELLA SPP CONTAMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL FAIR ENVIRONMENTS

Author
item HARPSTEAD, A - OHIO STATE UNIV.
item MOLLENKOPF, D - OHIO STATE UNIV.
item HANSEN, G - OHIO STATE UNIV.
item Keen, James
item WITTUM, THOMAS - OHIO STATE UNIV.

Submitted to: Research Workers in Animal Diseases Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/29/2003
Publication Date: 12/1/2003
Citation: HARPSTEAD, A., MOLLENKOPF, D., HANSEN, G., KEEN, J.E., WITTUM, T.E. RESIDUAL STEC O157 AND SALMONELLA SPP CONTAMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL FAIR ENVIRONMENTS. RESEARCH WORKERS IN ANIMAL DISEASES CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. 2003. ABSTRACT NO. 45P.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction: STEC O157 and Salmonella spp are zoonotic pathogens commonly present in agricultural animal environments. It is likely that agricultural fair environments provide an increased risk of human exposure to these pathogens. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of STEC O157 and Salmonella spp in environmental samples collected at fairgrounds shortly before addition of animals during the summer fair season. Methods: Fifteen county fairgrounds in two states and one state fairground were tested for residual STEC O157 and Salmonella spp prior to summer 2003 fair held at each location. At each county fairgrounds, 30 environmental samples were obtained, 10 each from the cattle barn, swine barn and show arena. Of each 10 samples, 5 were from the ground and 5 from elevated surfaces. At the state fairgrounds, 25 samples were collected from each of the primary animal housing buildings and areas, 10 each from the ground and raised surfaces and 5 from ceiling/rafter areas. The samples were then tested in the laboratory for the isolation and identification of Salmonella spp and STEC O157 using standard culture techniques. Results: A total of 567 environmental samples were collected. Salmonella spp were recovered from samples at 5 of the 15 county fairgrounds (33%). STEC O157 were recovered from samples at 2 of the 15 county fairgrounds (13%). Salmonella spp were recovered from 17 of the 567 samples (3%). Most of the Salmonella were from samples collected from the ground in swine barns or show arenas. Six of the 567 (1%) environmental samples were positive for STEC O157 although testing was not complete at the time of abstract submission. Conclusion: Salmonella spp and STEC O157 were recovered from multiple sites at multiple fairgrounds in the summer of 2003 prior to beginning of each fair. These may be residual contamination from previous fairs or other animal events and may serve as a reservoir of infection to animals at future events.