Fate and Transport of Campylobacters in Soil Arising from Farming Practices

Abstract

The intensification of farming over recent years has led to an increase in the potential for agricultural practices to cause water pollution. An area of concern is of pathogens such a Campylobacter entering the water supplies. Sources of infection for these organisms include the intestinal tract and oral cavity of man and animals such as domestic cattle and swine. Campylobacters are also prevalent in birds which are a reservoir to domestic animals and man.² A number of workers have isolated campylobacters from environmental waters in agricultural areas^1,3 If these pathogens reach water sources there could be a risk to public health through the use of contaminated sources for recreational activity and abstraction for supply.