Risk assessment of verocytoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) in Danish pork

Abstract

<p>Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) is recognized as a food-borne pathogen of major importance. Infection by VTEC is known to cause a wide range of symptoms, from uncomplicated diarrhoea to haemorrhagic colitis, haemolytic uraemic syndrome and death. VTEC has primarily been isolated from cattle. However, in several countries VTEC has also been isolated from pigs. The prevalence in Danish pigs remains unknown but a small-scale study indicated that is was very low (2.1%) (non-published). All isolates were VTEC types that very rarely have been associated with human disease and are considered low pathogenic VTEC.</p>