Bacterial Pathogens and Spoilage Organisms
A study of the distribution of Campylobacter in a subset of intensive poultry flocks on the island of Ireland and the identification of possible factors affecting that distribution.
This is a comprehensive study of the sources of Campylobacter in poultry from breeder to egg to hatched chick to broiler ready for slaughter. Potential sources include the laying hen, the in-house environment, the environment outside of the house, water, feed and carry-over from one flock to the next. All isolates will be speciated and molecularly characterised. The role of efflux pumps in survival in the conditions encountered on poultry farms will be examined and control strategies based on competitive exclusion and bird stress will be evaluated. (blaithin.maunsell@teagasc.ie) or (declan.bolton@teagasc.ie)
Control of blown pack spoilage in vacuum packaged meat
C. estertheticum is one of several different psychrotrophic (cold tolerant) bacteria that grow at refrigerated temperatures and produce large quantities of CO2 and H2S. This type of spoilage is costing the Irish meat industry millions of Euro per year. Current research will establish the distribution of these organisms in Irish beef plants and investigate different control mechanisms. (declan.bolton@teagasc.ie)
Distribution, survival and molecular characterisation of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), (including Escherichia coli O157:H7), Salmonella, and Campylobacter on farms and potential control strategies.
This project will investigate the molecular epidemiology of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), (including Escherichia coli O157:H7), Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. on beef farms. It will establish the ecological sources of these bacteria and investigate the mechanisms of survival used by verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), Salmonella and Campylobacter in a range of harsh environments encountered on farms. The data and information generated will be applied to develop on-farm activities designed to reduce/eliminate their incidence and spread on beef farms. (blaithin.maunsell@teagasc.ie) or (declan.bolton@teagasc.ie)
Pathogenic Escherichia coli Network (PEN)
Escherichia coli form part of the natural gastro–intestinal flora of man and warm-blooded animals. Although most E. coli are harmless commensal organisms, there are many pathogenic strains which can cause a variety of illness in man and animals. There is little doubt that more pathogenic E. coli groups will evolve and be recognised in the future. Despite considerable research on E. coli O157, there are still areas where a fundamental understanding of these organisms is lacking. Furthermore, technical deficiencies, a lack of harmonisation across disciplines along the food chain and between continents have prevented optimum gain from past and ongoing research.
This co-ordination project (35 international experts) will form a durable multidisciplinary network of international research groups working on E. coli O157 and other potentially pathogenic strains and serotypes of E. coli with the ultimate aim of reducing the burden of related illness.
Key issues to be addressed include:
- methods of detection and molecular characterisation of E.coli O157 and other potentially pathogenic strains and serotypes of E. coli;
- epidemiology and transmission of E. coli O157 and other potentially pathogenic strains and serotypes of E. coli;
- pathogenecity, virulence and emerging pathogenic E. coli;
- ecology of E. coli O157 and other potentially pathogenic strains and serotypes of E. coli and;
- control and management of E. coli O157 and other potentially pathogenic strains and serotypes of E. coli. (declan.bolton@teagasc.ie)
Beef and dairy Farm hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) with particular emphasis on Salmonella Control
This project has completed a microbiological investigation of VTEC, Salmonella and Campylobacter on Irish farms. Bacterial isolates are currently being characterised in terms of serotype/species, antibiotic resistance profiles, and virulence genes. Salmonella plasmid profiling and studies on pathogenecity islands are also ongoing. The data will provide a fundamental understanding of the risk associated and sources of these pathogens on Irish farms. (declan.bolton@teagasc.ie)
