Date: Tue, 25 Jul 1995 14:06:59 EST From: William C. Wagner, (202)401-4587 To: Multiple recipients of list EXTVET-L Subject: E. coli outbreak Greetings to the veterinary extension and research communities: Wanted to give you some news about the latest E. coli outbreak. It occurred in Missoula County, Montana. As of yesterday, 63 people were identified with bloody diarrhea, etc, and 23 people had been found to be positive for E. coli 0157:H7 on culture. Although first thought to be due to undercooked meat at a fast food restaurant, attention is now focused on lettuce raised locally. Apparently an organic farming enterprise using cow manure for fertilizer and irrigating with water from a pond that gets surface run off water. In this case some of the runoff comes from a nearby cattle facility. Although not yet finally confirmed, all indications are now that it was not meat, but the lettuce which was the source. Given the recent outbreaks of Shigella infections from alfalfa sprouts, you probably should stay away from the salad bars!!!!!!!! Bill Wagner ********************************************************* William C. Wagner, Principal Veterinary Scientist Unit Coordinator, Animal Production and Protection Suite 346 Aerospace Bldg., AgBox 2230 901 D Street SW, Washington, DC 20250-2230 Phone: 202/401-4587 FAX: 202/401-5179 EMail: WWAGNER@REEUSDA.GOV