A food chain approach to control of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in New Zealand: Pilot study of Top 7 STEC prevalence in farmed deer

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 pilot project includes the submission of three Top 7 STEC serogroup isolates (O103, O157, O121) from two farmed deer herds in the Manawatu region of New Zealand.