WILDLIFE SURVEY FOR E. COLI O157:H7 IN THE CENTRAL COASTAL COUNTIES OF CALIFORNIA

The majority of native wildlife species are likely to be low risk carriers for EcO157. As stated above, less than 0.5% wildlife tested to date have been positive for EcO157. However, the current sample size is inadequate to develop definitive conclusions. In addition, some samples were more than 5 days old, which may have produced a false negative, because to it is unknown if these bacteria survive beyond a few days outside the live animal. The objective is to collect enough samples from each geographical area (i.e., watershed) to develop conclusive analytical results regarding which species of wildlife are a significant or insignificant risk to produce safety. In addition, the results will allow us to develop wildlife management plans and policy to protect wildlife and their habitats and to protect public health.