Compost… part EEEWW!
My last blog concerned compost and the need for recycling
organic refuse. A word or two about
organic material that should NOT be used in a compost pile is in order (especially
if it is going on fruit or vegetable plants).
Avoid using meat, grease, bones and dairy product waste in you
compost. These items should be thrown in
the trash as they can attract unwanted insects, rodents and other wild animals.
The smell of these items composting is very sour and unpleasant as well!
We love our pets and clean up after them but pet manure is also
not for the compost bin. Dogs and cats
can carry diseases and insects that present health and sanitation issues for
humans if we are not careful. Many of us
are aware cat droppings can carry disease and is a very real risk for pregnant
women to handle, but dog waste can also be a hazard.
Dr John Strand at UK sent us the following from Dr John Poe,
DVM,MPH* concerning dog waste and compost.
“Dog manure (feces) presents
a unique environmental challenge and does carry some public health risks. As a
Veterinary Medical Officer with USDA, APHIS, Animal Care (I inspected large dog
kennels for compliance with federal regulations) from 2004-2008, I did develop
some working knowledge of this topic. The challenge of dealing with large amounts of
dog feces in dog kennels remains constant. Dog feces have the uncanny
characteristic to not disintegrate when mixed with water and consistently clogs
human septic tank systems and human sanitary sewers. It is usually placed in a
large holding tank and pumped out when the cistern becomes full. Dog feces
carry the risks of roundworms, hookworms and tapeworm eggs, so adequate
composting with attention to reaching 140 degrees would be highly recommended.
Please note the link below to the University of Florida tutorial about dog waste.
Please note caution NOT to use dog manure on food producing plants. I would
suggest caution when considering composting dog
manure.”
There are very specific dog waste composters on the market
but caution should be used when placing and using them in the landscape to avoid contamination with gardens or crops.
Information on E. Coli contamination in Kentucky water:
*John Poe, DVM, MPH
State Public Health Veterinarian
Kentucky Dept. for Public Health
Frankfort, KY 40621
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