Fate of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms during storage of liquid hog manure in Québec

Pathogenic microorganisms in manure represents a potential hazard to human and animal. Few data describing the microbiological content of liquid hog manure intended for spreading are available in the scientific literature. The objective of this project was to verify the presence and estimate the persistence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica and Cryptosporidium spp. in liquid hog manure from storages under conditions typical of commercial swine production in Québec. E. coli content of liquid hog manure taken during the spreading period in the 32 hog operations varied between 0 and 5.52 log₁₀ CFU/g with a 95% confidence interval of 3.16–4.23 log₁₀ CFU/g. Salmonella spp., Y. enterocolitica and Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 37%, 9% and 3% samples, respectively. Under the conditions of this experiment, the predicted number of days required to obtain a 90% reduction of E. coli populations varied between 15 and 26 days, while the predicted storage period necessary to reach undetectable levels was 54–114 days. The maximal persistence of Salmonella observed in this study was 88 days. A 73-day storage time was insufficient for the elimination of Y. enterocolitica.