Effects of activated charcoal on binding E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium in sheep

Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium have been implicated in food borne illness caused by contaminated milk and meat products. Activated charcoal (AC) was used to adsorb E. coli O157:H7 and S. typhimurium in the sheep gastrointestinal tract. Ewes were infected with either E. coli O157:H7 or S. typhimurium and were dosed with 10mg/ml AC slurry. AC had no effect on binding either organism in the rumen, cecum and rectum.