The bacteria that causes hamburger disease is very common. It lives in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. When cattle are killed and cut-up, bacteria from the animals' intestinal tract sometimes gets on the meat. Some of these bacteria can cause you to get sick if they are eaten. Although most often associated with ground beef, the hamburger disease bacteria is also found in most raw meats and unpasteurized milk.
Ground meats are more hazardous as the grinding process mixes the bacteria throughout the food.
Since people can carry the bacteria as well, it is important to wash hands well after using the bathroom and before handling food. You can protect yourself from hamburger disease by being very careful about how you handle and prepare your food. Refrigerate or freeze raw meat as soon as possible after buying. This will prevent large numbers of bacteria growing in it. Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or a microwave.