Study looks at relationship between birds, food contamination

Scientists at Ohio State Univ. are studying the relationship between wild birds and E. coli contamination on farms. The research could help lead to effective pre-harvest control strategies that minimize food-borne illnesses.

OSU microbiologist and veterinary scientist Jeff LeJeune said there is strong evidence that European starlings harbor E. coli and other dangerous organisms such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, and that the birds contribute to the spread of pathogens between farms. LeJeune’s studies have found that E. coli O157-H7 strains isolated from European starlings are the same as strains found on dairy farms in close geographical proximity.

“We need to know how much these birds are contributing to infection on farms to see if management strategies to reduce their numbers or restrict access to livestock-feeding areas are warranted,” LeJeune said. “But this research will also be important to find out whether starlings are contributing to the spread of E. coli on vegetable fields as they fly between dairy farms.”

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For more: Jeff LeJeune, Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Food Animal Health Research Program, (330) 263-3739; lejeune.3@osu.edu; www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~news/story.php?id=4295.