Download Helpful Hints About Diseases Found in Pet Waste

Helpful Hints About
Diseases Found in
Pet Waste
When your pet goes on the
lawn, remember it doesn’t
just go on the lawn.
Let’s Discreetly Discuss
Pet Waste
Campylobacteriosis – A bacterial
infection carried by dogs and cats
that frequently causes diarrhea
in humans.
Salmonellosis – The most common bacterial infection transmitted to humans by other animals.
Symptoms include fever, muscle
aches, headache, vomiting, and
diarrhea.
Toxoplasmosis – A protozoan
parasite carried by cats that can
cause birth defects such as mental retardation and blindness if a
woman becomes infected during
pregnancy.
Other diseases are: e.coli, roundworm, giardiasis, tuberculosis,
gastroenteritis and cryptosporidiosis.
When our pets leave those little surprises, rain washes all of that pet
waste and bacteria into our storm
drains. So what to do? Simple. Dispose of it properly (preferably in the
toilet) Then that little surprise gets
treated like it should.
For more information visit the following
web sites:
www.monroenc.org
www.ncstormwater.org
www.epa.gov
www.co.union.nc.us
Parts of this brochure courtesy of Rock Hill, SC
Pet Waste Management
Pet waste is a water
pollutant and can be a
health hazard.
Proper Disposal of
Pet Waste
Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing
harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash
into the storm drain and eventually into
local water bodies. Animal waste contributes to elevated levels of bacteria in water. All storm drains ARE NOT connected
to any type of treatment plant.
•
If your house is on public sewer, you
can flush dog waste down the toilet.
•
Double bag dog waste and throw it
in the garbage can.
•
Bury dog waste in the yard by digging a hole at least one foot deep,
with at least 8” of cover on feces
Disease carrying bacteria live in pet feces
and get carried into the closest body of
water with each rainfall. In addition, the
fertilizing quality of the waste causes algae to grow unchecked, which turns water
green and robs fish of oxygen.
When Walking your
Pet
Bathing Your Pet
All storm drains lead to local
creeks, streams and lakes.
Soap, even if it is biodegradable, is harmful to fish
and other aquatic life.
Remember to pick up the waste by always carrying a pooper scooper or plastic bag with you
on dog walks to pick up your pet’s waste.
When bathing your pet, discard wash water
down an indoor drain. If indoor bathing
isn't possible, you can dispose of the water
in a grassy area where soapy water will
have a chance to filter through vegetation
and soil. Don’t pour wastewater in the
street where it can enter a storm drain.
Keep your dog on a leash when walking along
creeks.
Other ways of washing
are indoors in a bathtub or sink
using less
toxic shampoos, or consider having
your pet professionally
pets
Do Not Leave Chemicals
Out
Maintain your automobile and dispose of used
fluids properly. Pets can be poisoned if they
ingest gas, oil or antifreeze.
For more information about the
stormwater management plan
or if you have
specific concerns about stormwater
pollution in your area, call the
City of Monroe
Engineering Department
Hotline at
704-282-4515
www.monroenc.org
groomed.
Fecal Coliform Bacteria
Bacteria that is present in the feces of
animals and a common pollutant in our
water bodies. High levels of fecal coliform have shown:
•
Other harmful micro-organisms may
be in the water
•
A potential health risk exists for
people who are exposed to the water.