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Recent outbreaks of pathogens such as E.coli 0157:H7 in fresh produce have elevated the need to revise the NRCS publication, "Waterborne Pathogens in Agricultural Watersheds." This NRCS publication remains one of the most comprehensive monographs on what are the current waterborne microbial threats of public health concern, monitoring methods, for these microbial risks, and suggested beneficial mgmt practices for landowners to use to mitigate these risks. There is a very strong demand for a revised monograph to address these issues, especially in agricultural regions that have a mixture of animal agriculture and leafy green produce given the concern of pathogen contamination of minimally treated produce commodities such as lettuce and spinach.
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Dr. Atwill will revise the publication to include updated and new information since the publications inception, including information on pathogens and vegetable production, and pathogens and animal diseases of interest (such as Johnes disease). Dr. Atwill will ensure that peer reviewed references are updated and likages to existing NRCS and other agency publications are enhanced.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Dr.Atwill, WIFSS, UC Davis, with assistance from a Staff Research Assoc. III and a Staff Research Assoc. I will revise the NRCS publication, "Waterborne Pathogens in Agricultural Watersheds" over a 6-month period starting Fall 2007 so that the peer-reviewed references are updated and linkages to existing NRCS and other agency (USDA-ARS, UCCE, etc) publications are enhanced. <P>APPROACH: Cooperator will review existing NRCS document, assess the capacity of the document to meet the needs of the Agency in working with conservation issues involving pathogens, and then re-write the document to reflect new or increased knowledge about the role of water borne pathogens on animal diseases, food safety, and water quality. Cooperator will coordinate with NRCS personnel to insure applicability of material to NRCS conservation practices. Cooperator will coordinate with NRCS national and CA state staff to insure applicability of material to NRCS field staff. NRCS will provide review of materials generated by cooperator. NRCS will provide printing, duplication, and dispersal of final product.