[tomato] Concerns with Kitty Litter.
Paul Reynolds (Tomato@GlobalGarden.com)
Mon, 08 Mar 1999 19:40:26 -0600
Margaret,
I won't disagree that a person could contract a feline parasite. But,
where is this different than a person picking up hookworms from going
barefoot in their own yard?? Or contracting Rhinitis from the soil??
There is more than just kitty litter that can affect humans.
However, if there is a stray cat that constantly uses your garden area
or a potted plant for a litter box, you can contract the parasites just
the same and strays are the ones that are of concern. Our cats are
vaccinated regularly.
There are numerous animal diseases and parasites (such as worms) that
live in the soil environment. And with a lot of them, once the soil is
infected, its indefinate as far as longevity.
I was made aware of the kitty litter information when my wife was
pregnant with our first child. At that time we were told that my wife
was not to mess with the litter due to the dust and the parasites
associated with the fine particles of dust. Also, in order for a
compost to work properly, there has to be an increase in temperature and
all virii, protozoa and bacterii, that I'm aware of that are harmful to
humans, have a very short life span once the temperature reaches 60-65
degrees F. And a compost heap can reach this with no problem.
If you have any information or a location where I can get information, I
would like to read up on it. Personally, I'm not that concerned with
it, but, I would still like to read up on it.
By the way, my knowledge with parasites stems from my job. I deal
directly with the use of wastewaters, sludges, manures and food
processing wastes for beneficial use. And we are just beginning to see
the virii and protozoan scare. I'm even having to testify to this stuff
in a hearing this week. Not fun.
Anyway, I appreciate your concern and would like to read information
that you might have on the subject.
Thanks
Paul Reynolds
Austin Texas