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The overall goal of the proposed project is to conduct research that will provide a science-based approach that will reduce or eliminate bacterial contamination of leafy green produce by amphibians and reptiles while minimizing negative impacts on native wildlife and their habitat.
Approach:
Determine if wild amphibians and reptiles are reservoirs of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in the central California coast. We will identify the major species of amphibians and reptiles populating the leafy greens produce production environment and surrounding rangeland through intensive trapping and microbiological analysis. Identify farm production practices, environmental factors and control strategies that reduce the risk of contamination from amphibian and reptile species in the leafy greens produce growing environment. Through statistical analysis, we will identify specific environmental factors (e..g, riparian habitat, wetlands, vegetation strips, ponds) and management practices that are associated with reduced pathogen prevalence. Molecular genotyping will be used to source track and provide a comparison of the genetic relatedness of strains from these animals with strains from waterways where they are collected, as well as comparison with our extensive database of human and environmental strains. Extend knowledge of preventing produce contamination by amphibians and reptiles to the produce community. We will share the science-based knowledge gained from this study with growers, handlers, buyers, auditors, regulators, conservation groups, and other stakeholders to improve best practices relating to pre-season and pre-harvest environmental assessments and wildlife intrusion.