Diseases Found in Cow Manure

Many diseases found in cow manure readily transfer to humans. Contaminated fecal matter enters bodies of water and water supply systems during floods. Many farmers and home gardeners fertilize food crops with cow manure. The pathogens in the manure transfer onto the fresh produce or wash into water systems during rains. The disease-causing pathogens enter the food. Washing the produce does not kill the organisms. During meat processing operations, disease-causing pathogens contaminate machinery and any subsequent food product that passes through them. Cryptosporidiosis, E. coli 0157, Giardia, Listeriosis and Salmonella are diseases found in cow manure.

E. coli

• E. coli (Escherichia coli) are a large group of bacteria, some of which make humans sick. They cause diarrhea, pneumonia, respiratory illnesses and urinary tract infections. One strain in particular, E. coli 0157 is usually responsible for widespread outbreaks reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Exposure to cow manure contaminates meat. When farmers spread contaminated manure on fields as fertilizer, it contaminates produce crops. It can survive in temperatures as low as 23 degrees F for 70 days.

Listeriosis

• Listeriosis is an infection caused by ingesting food or drinks contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It can cause confusion, convulsions, diarrhea, fever, headache, loss of balance, muscle pain, nausea and a stiff neck. The CDC reports that pregnant women infected with Listeriosis can pass the infection on to her fetus have a miscarriage, a premature delivery or a stillborn baby. Listeria is present in fecal matter of many humans and cows. Most Listeriosis infections occur when humans ingest fresh produce fertilized with cow manure.

Salmonella

• Over 2,000 species of Salmonella exist. Abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever are the prevalent symptoms of Salmonella. Diarrhea often results in dehydration. Severely dehydrated patients require hospitalization. The CDC reports that Salmonella can enter the blood stream and cause death without immediate antibiotic treatment. Salmonella are microscopic organisms found in fecal matter. They easily transfer between humans and animals.

Cryptosporidiosis and Giardia

• Cryptosporidiosis results from microscopic parasites commonly called "Crypto", as is the disease. It causes abdominal cramps, dehydration, diarrhea, fever, nausea, weight loss and vomiting. Cryptosporidiosis most often spreads through contaminated water supplies. Ingestion may occur when an individual accidentally swallows contaminated water during recreational activities or floodwaters. It also spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces such as toilet handles, diaper pails, doorknobs or garbage cans. Giardia has similar symptoms and methods of infection as Cryptosporidiosis. The Giardia intestinalis parasite causes Giardia.