A food chain approach to control of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in New Zealand: Top 7 STEC from dairy farm environments, cattle, and veal processing plants

This doctoral thesis research focuses on improving the methods of detection for 7 of the most common Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), as well as understanding the evolution, risk factors, and overall prevalence of STEC in New Zealand. The goal is to use epidemiology, whole genome sequencing, and public health communication to identify interventions to protect both public health in New Zealand, as well as the beef export industry. This specific project includes the submission of 34 New Zealand Top 7 STEC serogroup isolates, as part of an assessment of transmission of STEC among cattle in dairy farm environments, as well as contamination of veal calf hides and pre-intervention carcasses at processing plants.