THE JUNGLE

Beef's Bad Side

Vaccine researchers look to combat E Coli scares.

With E. Coli killing dozens each year and sickening tens of thousands, researchers are hoping two vaccines for cows can help dramatically cut down on the rate of food poisoning. The meat industry has had to recall tainted beef some 52 times since January 2007, versus only 20 in the previous three years. While vaccines may not completely wipe out E. Coli they could reduce the number of animals carrying the bacteria by up to 75%. "I hope it works," on farmer told the New York Times. "It probably won't be so good for my pocketbook directly, but it'll probably be good for the industry." Two brands of vaccine, one developed by Minnesota's Epitopix and another by Canada's Bioniche Life Sciences, have been developed commercially and have received preliminary approval from the Agriculture Department this year.