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Is there a public health threat associated with
goose manure?
The Monmouth County Health
Department has established for the first time in New Jersey that Canada geese
populations, observed at many locations including municipal parks,
recreational fields and corporate centers, are disseminating parasites called
Giardia spp. cysts. The geese are picking up these organisms while they feed
and depositing them in their stool droppings. Human ingestion can result in a
prolonged diarrheal illness.
How is the parasite transmitted to
humans?
For infection to take place, the cysts
must be ingested orally, which can occur following consumption of contaminated
water, hand to mouth transfer after contact with manure contaminated soil, and
through person to person transmission. As few as 10-25 organisms are all that
may be needed to establish infection.
What are some other symptoms
associated with Giardiasis?
Symptoms, which appear between 5-25
days after exposure, may range from mild inapparent infection to cramps,
bloating, fatigue and weight loss. Symptoms may be prolonged and more severe
particularly in individuals whose immune systems have been compromised by
other illnesses such as AIDS.
Have there been any cases traced to
exposure to goose manure in Monmouth County?
Two cases of Giardiasis have been
directly linked to exposure. In one instance, a police recruit did not have an
opportunity to wash hands after doing push-ups on a field heavily contaminated
with goose manure. Apparently, oral ingestion of cysts occurred during the
course of eating or other hand to mouth activity. In another case, a 2 year
old child visited several ponds, specifically to feed the geese. The child was
observed picking up grass, twigs, etc.; while feeding the geese. The mother
recalled the presence of large numbers of geese and manure at the locations
visited.
How many Canada geese are known to
exist in Monmouth County?
It is projected that the estimated
existing population of 10,000 geese will double in seven years. Based on these
projections, and the fact that each goose is capable of depositing
approximately 1.5 lbs. of droppings per day, the potential for widespread
contamination and disease transmission is enormous.
What practices have contributed to
the increasing populations of Canada geese in Monmouth
County?
Canada geese require fresh water areas
for resting and nesting and new tender grasses and grains or other succulent
vegetation for feed. Therefore, the well manicured lawns of homes, golf
courses and parks located near water provide ideal sites that attract geese.
Landscaping, beautification projects, and retention basins within housing
developments may also contribute to the problem.
How can I prevent access of geese
to toddler play areas?
Since geese tend to walk not fly to
and from feeding areas, the use of barriers such as snow fencing are effective
in preventing access. Additionally, in many instances a major attractant to
geese is the supplemental food offered by people to attract birds. In most
instances, ceasing feeding will make an area less attractive to
geese.
How effective is handwashing in
preventing transmission of Giardia Lamblia cysts?
Hand transfer of infectious agents has
been recognized for more than 100 years. Handwashing is the single most
important procedure for preventing transmission of infections in the day care
and preschool setting. For example, 50% reduction rates in diarrhea were
observed in centers adopting a careful handwashing regimen.
What is considered good handwashing
technique?
Hand should be wet and soap applied
with vigorous rubbing to lather on all surfaces for at least 10 seconds,
followed by thorough rinsing under running water and drying with disposable
towels.
Are steps being taken to control
the populations of Canada geese in Monmouth County?
The Monmouth County Health Department
has been involved in a research project partnership with John Hopkins
University School of Hygiene and Public Health and Monmouth University to
study the public health and economic impacts. Partnership goals are to
establish protocols to determine risks in soil and water; conduct case
studies, evaluate control measures, present technology transfer sessions,
establish a special laboratory at Monmouth University for screening manure
samples, and to bring the issue before the New Jersey Legislature, Division of
Fish and Game and New Jersey Department of Health and Senior
Services.
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