Risk of Occupational Exposure to <I>Cryptosporidium, Giardia,</I> and <I>Campylobacter</I> Associated with the Feces of Giant Canada Geese

Abstract

Giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima), which are nesting locally in Northwest Ohio and other parts of the state, are commonly perceived as a public nuisance when they inhabit urban areas. The feces of giant Canada geese litter both grass and pavement in many occupational and recreational sites in the Toledo area. The purpose of this study was to identify sites with fecal droppings of giant Canada geese that test positive for Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Campylobacter, qualitatively assess the occupational risks of infections, and recommend protective measures. The fecal droppings of giant Canada geese were tested for Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Campylobacter, using sensitive monoclonal enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods. Fourteen out of 16 sites tested positive for at least one pathogen. None tested positive for all three. Cryptosporidium was the most common infectious organism found in the fecal droppings. It was detected in 14 out of 18 (77.8%) samples. Campylobacter was found in 7 out of 18 (3...