Wild Hogs Responsible for E. coli Spinach Outbreak?
A news article released by CNN yesterday reports that the recent E. coli outbreak that affected 26 US states and one Canadian province may have been caused by wild hogs that contaminated a California spinach field.
The E. coli outbreak is over, but investigators are also looking into other possible sources, including deer, as possible ways the bacteria may have been spread into the spinach field. Droppings of these animals are possible suspected ways the crops became contaminated.
Does this news raise concern for hunters who hunt for and eat the meat of wild hogs and deer? It shouldn’t, since E. coli is a bacteria present in the intestines of cattle, wildlife, and humans. If the proper care and handling of meat during field dressing and the thorough cleaning of the meat before packaging can cut risks of becoming infected drastically. Any E. coli left will be killed during the cooking process, that’s why it’s so important to always make sure the meat is properly handled and cooked.
You can read more about E. coli at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
disease, e. coli, outbreaks, health, wildlife, deer, hogs, CNN, news
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October 27th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
Cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, deer, and other livestock all carry E. coli O157:H7 and other bacteria naturally in their systems. Cooking to 160 degrees will effectively kill E. coli; however, people should pay special attention to proper hygiene and make sure they don’t cross-contaminate raw meat with vegtables, etc. Sanitation can be as important in preventing foodborne illness as proper cooking.
October 27th, 2006 at 4:46 pm
Thanks, Bill, for stopping by and commenting. The additional information is something I’m sure the readers will appreciate.
As Bill and myself have pointed out, if you take the proper precautions in all aspects of food handling and preparation, the liklihood of being infected with E. coli is greatly reduced. Use common sense and don’t take shortcuts to save a little time that could mean the difference between being safe and being sick.