Tracking verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157, O26, O111, O103 and O145 in Irish cattle

► E. coli O157 remains the most dominant VTEC in Irish cattle at slaughter. ► Clinically significant non-O157 VTEC are present in Irish cattle at slaughter. ► Transfer of VTEC from hide or faeces to carcass was not observed.