Risk of Occupational Exposure toCryptosporidium, Giardia,andCampylobacterAssociated 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 (38.9%) samples, and 3 out of 18 (16.7%) samples tested positive for Giardia. Since fecal droppings of giant Canada geese are dense in many sites, occupational exposure to Cryptosporidium is very plausible. In addition, fecal droppings from other carrier vertebrates are likely to be present in the same sites occupied by giant Canada geese, thereby increasing the likelihood of occupational exposure to one or more of these pathogens. It has also been suggested that houseflies and dung beetles may be mechanical carriers of Cryptosporidium. We recommend that work environments in close proximity to the nesting sites of giant Canada geese be maintained in a sanitary condition. Workers at risk for exposure should wear protective gloves while working, wash their hands after performing applicable activities and before touching their mouths, launder work clothes daily, and, ideally, shower at the end of the workday. We further recommend that potentially exposed workers who develop gastrointestinal infections have their stools tested for Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Campylobacter.