The bunkers are remnants of a Naval ammunition depot that produced bombs during World War II. The depot is now an animal research center where government scientists are working to unlock secrets contained in the genetic makeup of the cattle.

Their focus: the E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria, which can kill if it reaches the dinner table.

''Our purpose is to save little kids' lives,'' said Mohammad Koohmaraie, director of the center.

The scientists at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center say they still don't know why the number of beef recalls soared in 2007 or why E. coli contamination appeared to be rising.

''What we try to do is increase our understanding as much as possible about the bug,'' Koohmaraie said.

The lab has its own feedlot and a herd of about 6,500 cows that are used for genetic research.

Source: AssociatedPress