A new vaccine and a beneficial bacterial feed additive each significantly reduced E.coli 0157:H7 in feedlot cattle, according to University of Nebraska research.

The study encompassed the past two years and examined more than 1,100 feedlot steers. Use of the vaccine and the additive resulted in reduced bacteria when compared to the control group, which received neither treatment.

A vaccine for E coli 0157:H7 may be available to cattle producers as soon as next year, pending approval. If approved, it will be the first of its kind accessible for commercial use.

Because of the threat of E. coli, the livestock industry had focused on engineering several pre-harvest intervention strategies, include vaccines, to help reduce the chance of pathogens reaching the consumer.

The vaccine closed to being marketed was formulated by Bioniche Life Sciences of Ontario. Trails of the vaccine were conducted at the University of Nebraska.