Molecular characterisation of bacteria for continued Market compliance

Summary

In the past year the cost of confirmatory testing for STECs exceeding $675,000. Any consignment confirmed to contain an STEC was heat-treated (negative final net value).  Faster, cheaper (and more reliable) testing methods will save the industry considerable sums. The Australian market is too small for the developers of diagnostic methods to consider tailoring their methods, and this project will help to remedy this market failure.
Defining STECs relevant to public health is not yet possible. An international consensus on STECs of public health significance could make a large difference to testing costs and rejection of product (within Australia, or in overseas markets).
Antibiotic resistance is an international public health issue. Within Australia, plans are being developed for surveillance and control systems. The proposed work will complete the data required to respond to calls for surveillance and additional controls in beef production. Antibiotic resistance is looming as the next new technical barrier to trade.
This project deals with three Market compliance issues:Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), with varying definitions, are regulated in significant markets for Australian beef. Demonstrating relatively low risk for Australian Big6 STEC may provide an advantage in the market and may lead to better regulation and fewer impediments to trade.Current screening testing methods for STEC have substantial limitations and are time consuming and expensive. Faster and cheaper tests may be developed for the Australian industry based in collaboration with diagnostics companies.Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is a growing international issue. MLA projects have already collected data, which has been beneficial for the industry. Further data for bacteria collected, and initially tested, in a previous project is required before these data can be released.