Recent Issues of Potential Contamination of Irrigation Water from Livestock

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1 Recent Issues of Potential Contamination of Irrigation Water from Livestock Manure Mgmt Conf, Lethbridge Lodge, Jan 14, 2013 Andrea Kalischuk, ARD Lisa Tymensen, ARD Jolin Charest, ARD Don Gross, ARD

2 The Media: 2012 Alberta Irrigation Water Brimming with E. coli Dangerous E.coli found in several rural Alberta areas Ecoli O157 found throughout southern Alberta Is Canada s food safe? Chris Bolton, CEO Benchmark Labs

3 Fecal Pathogens Pathogens are disease causing microorganisms Reside in the guts of warm blooded animals Humans, livestock, wildlife Excreted in feces Human Health Risk Water or food exposed to feces Pathogens can be resilient and survive heat, drought, sun, composting All surface water has the potential to be contaminated by pathogens.

4 Escherichia coli (E.coli) Thousands E.coli strains Most E.coli do not cause disease E.coli in water are an indicator of fecal contamination If E.coli are present, there is a risk that fecal pathogens are present Pathogens are difficult and costly to monitor E. coli Microbial source tracking can determine host

5 Agricultural Fecal Pathogens Focus on 3 livestock manure pathogens Environmentally persistent Risk to human health: commonly responsible for disease outbreaks in Alberta and Canada These pathogens are low risk to livestock

6 Agricultural Fecal Pathogens E. Coli O157:H7 The O157:H7 is a pathogenic strain Found in ruminants (cattle and wildlife) Salmonella Campylobacter Pathogenic bacteria Commonly associated with poultry Also found in livestock and wildlife

7 Irrigation Water Quality Monitoring 2 Years: 2006 and Years: 2011 to 2015 Available online:

8 Irrigation Water Quality Monitoring 80 to 90 sampling sites 4 grab samples/year >150 parameters/sample Physical Biological (E. coli) Nutrients Metals Pesticides Key Findings Water quality for irrigation is good or excellent. Degradation of water quality occurred as water flowed through the irrigation distribution system. The irrigation guideline for E.coli was exceeded in about 25% of all samples in 2011; however many of the detection locations are returns.

9 2012 Pathogen Sampling Partner Alberta Health Services Sampled 20 irrigation returns, twice E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Campylobacter No E.coli O157:H7 No Salmonella 3 detections of Campylobacter

10 Food Safety Chain: Minimizes Pathogen Risk Irrigation Water Quality Livestock producers Irrigation districts Food Safety Irrigators Processors Distributors Consumers

11 Environmental Stewardship Livestock producers have a role in preventing manure contamination of surface water. Many are doing a great job as stewards of water, but some are not.

12 Regulations on Manure Management Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) In effect January 1, Manure management: Manure storage specifications Soil nitrogen limits Incorporation required Set-backs from water No application on frozen ground AGRICULTURAL OPERATION PRACTICES ACT AND REGULATIONS

13 Irrigated Produce Fresh consumable is at higher risk than processed Crops with larger surface areas that are hard to wash are at greater risk than easy to wash produce Washing may reduce the risk Growers can reduce risks: During the growing season At harvest At market

14 Key Messages on Pathogens The quality of irrigation water in Alberta is some of the best in the world, owing to it s origins in the Rocky Mountains. All surface water is at risk of pathogen contamination.

15 Key Messages on Pathogens There have been no incidences of foodborne illnesses linked to irrigation water in Alberta. Livestock producers have a role in preventing manure contamination of surface water. The current food production and processing chain includes many safety practices. Consumers are part of the chain and should always wash produce prior to consumption. Similarly, people should never drink untreated water.

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