E. coli (Escherichia coli) are bacteria About Escherichia coli Infection | E. coli infection | CDC. They are part of the normal gastrointestinal flora of both humans and animals and are ubiquitous in the environment. Most people and animals can encounter these bacteria and never become ill. When under stress, immune-compromised, very young or old illnesses can occur either directly with an animal or indirectly with food, water, and environmental. The most common way humans become infected is through indirect contact with contaminated food or water. Outbreaks occur throughout the year and can be caused by raw vegetables, raw meats, dairy products, and postproduction ground or processed meats Outbreaks of E. coli Infections | E. coli infection | CDC. In 2024 there were 37 outbreaks in the United States, including organic carrots, onions associated with McDonalds, organic walnuts and raw cheddar cheese. Symptoms can be mild, with diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and a low fever; however, they can escalate and if longer than 2 days or symptoms become worse a doctor should be contacted E. coli - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. Some people become infected with a Shiga-toxin producing E. coli that can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HES) which can be deadly. When someone is producing little or no urine this is a medical emergency and can lead to death.

Diagnosis is through clinical history, molecular biology and culture. Treatment is usually supportive and very few people must take antibiotics. Prevention is the same as it is with salmonella, by washing hands thoroughly after petting animals, cooking food to recommended temperatures, keeping raw food away from cooked food and washing utensils and prep areas in between. Drink pasteurized milk and juices and not eating anything that contains raw milk products The Dangers of Raw Milk: Unpasteurized Milk Can Pose a Serious Health Risk | FDA. 

Preparation of food

1.Clean all utensils and cutting boards with hot soapy water (or dishwasher) after they have been in contact with raw foods 

2. Always wash your hand often with soap and water when prepping raw foods 

3. Don't re-use cooking utensils after tasting food while cooking, always wash the utensil after use

4. Cook food to recommended temperature and time

5. Use safe drinking water, use care not to ingest the water when in lakes/ponds other bodies of water as it may be contaminated

6. Don’t drink unpasteurized milk and juices

Animals like humans can become infected with E. coli Diarrhea in Neonatal Ruminants - Digestive System - Merck Veterinary Manual. However, the more virulent strains that cause severe infections in humans tend to be asymptomatic in animals. Infections generally occur in very young animals such as swine, goats, cattle and horses. Occurrences in dogs and cats are uncommon. Enterotoxigenic E. coli in calves and kids (baby goats) is commonly referred to as scours and can cause severe disease and death in less than 24 hours. Diagnosis is through clinical history, culture and molecular biology. Treatment is supportive, with fluids and in some cases, antibiotics are given.