What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the many bacteria species living in the intestines of warm-blooded animals (humans, cattle, & wildlife). E. coli are part of a larger bacteria group called fecal coliforms, which is part of an even larger group called total coliforms. E. coli can also live and replicate outside of the gut in warm, nutrient-rich environments. E. coli are important to cattle as they aid in the breakdown of forage & feed. Some strains of E. coli (0157:H7) can make people & animals sick if ingested from food/ water supply or during recreational activities such as swimming. The forms of E. coli that can cause illness in humans & animals are pathogenic. Remember, not all E. coli are pathogenic.
Why does E. coli matter?
The presence of E. coli is used as an indicator of fecal contamination of surface waters. Fecal contamination increases the levels of actual pathogens (agent causing disease or illness), such as Salmonella spp, Giardia spp, and Crypto spp. in surface waters. Most water protection agencies are moving to adopt EPA recommendations for grab sample E. coli tests of 235 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 mL of water (cfu/100mL) for streams and other water bodies. It is important to note that the test for E. coli used in the UFRW and ILRP water monitoring programs does not determine: 1) If the E. coli detected is pathogenic or 2) the source of E. coli.
Is E. coli a problem?
Each year, there has been at least one monitoring site in each of the 4 valleys (SV, AV, IV, Goodrich) that had an exceedence for E. coli (more than 235 cfu/100ml). Some of these sites with elevated E. coli are “above” irrigated agriculture. We wondered if there was a health risk.
E. coli O157 Solutions: The Pre-Harvest Commitment
Management Reduces E. coli in Irrigated Pasture Run-off
Giant Microbes - Just for fun!!
