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Protocol for Assessing the Relative Effects of Environment and Genetics on Antler and Body Growth for a Long-lived Cervid
Published on: August 8, 2017
Enteric bacterial pathogens with zoonotic potential isolated from farm-raised deer.
Elizabeth French1, Alex Rodriguez-Palacios, Jeffrey T LeJeune
1Food Animal Health Research Program, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio 44691, USA.
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease
|June 26, 2010
Summary
Farm-raised white-tailed deer in Ohio harbor significant levels of Yersinia enterocolitica and Clostridium difficile. These findings highlight potential risks for venison contamination and occupational exposure to zoonotic pathogens for deer farmers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Food Safety
- Microbiology
Background:
- Captive white-tailed deer farming is an expanding agricultural sector.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential for zoonotic pathogen transmission from farmed deer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of key enteric bacterial pathogens in captive white-tailed deer in Ohio.
- To assess potential food safety and occupational health risks associated with this industry.
Main Methods:
- Pooled fecal samples were collected from 30 white-tailed deer confinement facilities in Ohio.
- Samples were cultured for five enteric bacterial pathogens: Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Clostridium difficile.
- Isolates were further characterized, including PCR for virulence genes and ribotyping for C. difficile.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates were: Escherichia coli O157 (3.3%), Listeria monocytogenes (3.3%), Salmonella enterica (0%), Yersinia enterocolitica (30%), and Clostridium difficile (36.7%).
- The ail virulence gene was not detected in Y. enterocolitica isolates.
- Toxigenic Clostridium difficile polymerase chain reaction ribotype 078 was found on 36.4% of C. difficile-positive farms.
Conclusions:
- Farm-raised white-tailed deer can harbor zoonotic enteric pathogens like Yersinia enterocolitica and Clostridium difficile.
- Potential risks include venison contamination, occupational exposure for farmers, and environmental/livestock contamination.
- Further research and biosecurity measures are warranted for the growing deer farming industry.
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