This study focuses on emerging E. coil serotypes and has developed methods for the isolation and identification of non-0157 STEC and EPEC. A basal medium for the isolation of these pathogens was developed as well as a serogroup specific PCR assay for the detection of the 02 serogroup. These culture and molecular based techniques have proven to be valuable in the detection, identification, and epidemiological investigation of these groups of emerging pathogens. These methods were applied to 1) a farm study, whereby samples (faecal and soil) and 2) an abattoir study, whereby samples (hide and carcass) were analysed for the presence of non-0157 STEC and EPEC. Isolates were subsequently characterised in terms of serotype/serogroup and virulence markers. The data generated by this work has illustrated the extent of non-0157 STEC and EPEC contamination in the farm and abattoir environments, thus providing scientific background upon which control strategies may be based.