The Scoop on Pet Feces
Health Risks :
In addition to fecal coliform, pet feces can contribute many other bacteria and parasites to the water supply. Several to be aware of include:
Campylobacteriosis: a bacterial infection carried by dogs and cats that can cause diahhrea in humans.
Cryptosporidium: a protozoan parasite carried by dogs, cats, mice, calves, and other mammals. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and dehydration. Possibly fatal to people with suppressed immune systems.
Toxocariasis: Commonly known as roundworms, this is usually carried from dogs to people, but is also found in the fecal matter of cats. It is usually symptom free but can result in vision loss, rash, fever, bronchitis, and asthma.
Toxoplasmosis: Cats are the only known animals to excrete the oocysts of this protozoan parasite. It is resistant to chlorine disinfection and is of serious health risk to pregnant women and those with suppressed immune systems.
Disposal Options:
Leaving pet waste to decay in your yard may seem like a viable option that does not affect others in the neighborhood, but in areas like Whatcom County where it rains frequently, runoff from your yard will contribute to the contamination of our waterways.
Put it in the Trash: After picking it up using your Mutt Mitt, shovel, or plastic grocery bag, simply toss it in the trash. Some areas of the country prohibit this, but here in Whatcom County this is a good option.
Flush it: Flushing it down the toilet ensures that it will be effectively treated at the wastewater treatment plant. This option is not recommended if are on a septic system . Be sure to only flush the poop and not any other materials that may have hitched a ride during pick up such as rocks, grass or dirt. When flushing cat waste, separate the feces from the litter and only flush the poop.
Bury it: Burying your pet’s waste allows it to decompose under the ground with minimal affect on the stormwater system. However how and where you bury it is critical: according to the EPA, waste should be buried in a hole at least one foot deep. This should be done in areas away from gardens, ditches, storm drains, and waterways. Although manure from animals such as cows is often used as a composting medium, dog and cat feces contain many bacteria and parasites that are harmful to people. Pet waste should never be added to a compost pile for use as a fertilizer in a garden.
Doggie Doo Composters /Septics: Several companies offer underground systems that you can place in your yard to treat your pet waste. Similar to a septic system, but designed for pet waste. Check the web or your local pet supply store for various options.
