This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] It was asked what I thought about the above subject. I think it is great that most people realize that to try to be too sanitary is actually unhealthy.
One caution I would give, though, is in the area of manure (from any animal). Manure from things other than people is less dangerous to people than is human waste, but animals' manure can still be dangerous in certain situations. Healthy adults and children usually would not have much to fear from manure as long as they wash their hands after handling it. Infants, elderly, and the immune compromised, though, should avoid contact with manure altogether. The greatest risk from equine manure would be Salmonella and E. coli. Both can cause severe illness or death in people (though it's rare). Most horses do not go around shedding Salmonella or the dangerous variety of E. coli, but some do. Other things to watch out for in animal manure: -Calves can shed Cryptosporidium which can cause severe diarrhea in any person - even healthy adults. Wash hands thoroughly after handling calves, especially if contact with manure was made. -Cats can have Toxoplasmosis which can infect a pregnant woman and cause serious problems in the fetus. Don't get rid of the cat; Just make the husband clean the litter box. -Puppy poop may contain worm eggs that can infect children and cause problems. (The particular worms are more likely found in puppies than adult dogs). Also keep puppies from licking children's faces because the puppy may have just licked his, well, you know... the place worm eggs come out. : 0 So in general, love the animals and play in the dirt, but wash your hands after handling manure, and keep infants, elderly, and immune compromised away from it all together. Brian Jacobsen, DVM Norwegian Fjordhest Ranch Salisbury, North Carolina
