Researchers examined the level of risk of E. coli O157 transmission from cattle to humans, and the impact of vaccinating cattle.

Scientists at the RVC say the risk of E.coli O157 infection is particularly high when cattle are "super-shedding" - passing a very large amount of bacteria in their faeces for a limited time.

According to the research team, vaccinating cattle against the bacteria could reduce super-shedding, and therefore they predict that by using the vaccine, human cases of infection could be cut by nearly 85 per cent. 

"E. coli O157 is a serious gastrointestinal illness," says Dr Louise Matthews of the University of Glasgow's Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine.

"The economic impact is also serious – for instance studies in the US suggest that healthcare, lost productivity and food product recalls due to E. coli O157 can cost hundreds of millions of dollars each year."

One cattle vaccine in the US is not currently licensed as veterinary medicines must be proven to be beneficial to animal health. E. coli O157, however, does not harm cattle. In order to address this, the RVC says human and veterinary health practitioners must work together.

Senior author Professor Stuart Reid of the RVC adds: "This study is an excellent example the interface between veterinary and human medicine and of the concept of ‘One Health’ in action – controlling infections in animals can have a major impact on public health."