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Post by berrygal on Apr 14, 2015 5:45:59 GMT -5
I have rabbits and I use their poo all the time. I also muck out horse stalls on a regular basis so I know EXACTLY what James is talking about! I believe many people just have the "burning" issue in mind when using manure, and tend not to think about the pathogen issue. Sometimes I spread manure directly where I will (eventually) be planting, sometimes it goes on the compost heap. However....no matter how I treat the manure (compost, aging, direct application, whatever) I am always cautious when harvest time rolls around. Things get scrubbed, particularly if they will be eaten fresh and not cooked. A good idea is to place a layer of mulch over the manure so in case of a heavy rain or watering, there won't be "splash up" onto the plants and the veggies/fruits.
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Post by kimmsrđź•Š on Apr 14, 2015 6:25:03 GMT -5
An uncle, a long time farmer (dairy, pigs, Chickens, horses) who for many years used the manure from those animals to "fertilize" his fields, but never, ever did he spread that manure on the fields and then plant, ther manure was spread, tilled in, and a cover crop was planted that would be turned in the following year.
Numerous times in the last 50, or so years, foods have been recalled because of E coli, Listeria, Salmonella, etc. contamination and that has always been the result of manure contamination. I have had some state that their grandparents always used animal manure and never had a problem, but who talks a lot about a bout of gastroenteritis. Common sense says use animal manure, with due care.
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Post by brownrexx on Apr 14, 2015 8:31:56 GMT -5
Actually that type of contamination has become more prevalent in animals than it was 50 years ago. Back then E coli made you sick but now there is a strain (E 0157) that will actually KILL you. This strain did not exist 50 years ago. Cattle manure is full of E coli.
Salmonella was not always as widely distributed as it is now so you used to be able to safely eat raw eggs or undercooked chicken but not anymore. Now we must assume that all chicken is contaminated and take proper precautions for food safety.
People have stories about how their 100 year old grandfather smoked 2 packs a day and it never hurt them but does anyone really think that smoking is not harmful?
There are always going to be stories about how _________ never hurt their grandparents generation but since we now know the risks, it is wise to be careful.
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Post by oliverman on Apr 14, 2015 9:26:46 GMT -5
I am not going to advise use of fresh manure for most folks. However, I don't fret about it much myself. If I have already had the stuff rubbed into my clothes, smeared on my face, etc. I doubt that the additional exposure from what remains after washing vegetables is going to increase my exposure level much.
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