E. coli is a bacterium with various disease-causing strains commonly harbored in the intestines of domestic and wild animals and people. The source of these bacteria in the environment is manure contamination. Manure from animals colonized with E. coli 0157:H7 can contaminate the external hide or feed of noncolonized animals and thus cross-contaminate other animals or food products (Doores, 1999). Cattle become infected through fecal contamination of feed, water, and environment such as wet and dirty bedding. Common animal sources of contamination in cattle environments are cattle, deer, and rodents which cattle are likely to have exposure to. Unnecessary visitors should be restricted from visiting cattle feeding, housing, and handling facilities.
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What are some possible ways E. coli can be transmitted in cattle?
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