EnviroHorse -- First Research Project Launched!

[connie B Berto <cberto@juno.com>]

      EnviroHorse was founded in December 1998 to  identify, gather, and
disseminate information to ensure and enhance equine access to both
public and private lands.   Where data gaps exist, EnviroHorse  will
sponsor research to fill them.    EH has formed a fund-raising
partnership with Bay Area Barns and Trails, dedicated to  the
preservation and stewardship of San Francisco Bay Area equestrian barns,
trails, pastures, staging areas and horse camps.
   EnviroHorse and Bay Area Barns and Trails are proud to announce that
we have secured an agreement with the University of California at Davis 
for our first research project.   It will help answer the question:  
DOES YOUR HORSE POSE A RISK TO HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT?
   More studies are needed to determine the effects of equine manure on
public health and the natural environment.  Equestrians face increased
operating costs and more restrictive stable and trail regulations.  These
are due to often unfounded concerns and opinions of public land managers,
the general public, organic food growers, and consumers.  Is a pathogenic
strain of E. coli 0157:H7 found in equine manure?  Are noxious weed seeds
found in feed consumed by horses?  Are equestrian trails, pastures and
stables harmful to wildlife habitat?  
     A three-phase research project is planned to help answer these
questions.   Research will take place in equine operations in the coastal
watersheds of the San Francisco Bay Area.   Fecal samples from stables
housing at least ten horses, located near a creek or body of water, are
invited to participate.   Participation will be voluntary and the
requisite questionnaire will be confidential.   Please note:   Results of
this research will be made available  world-wide.
       Phase 1:   Assessing E. Coli 0157:H7.  Dr. Robert Atwill, DVM,
MPVM, PhD., of UC Davis of School of Veterinary Medicine will conduct the
tests and studies assessing the presence/absence of E.coli 0157:H7.    If
we find that horses shed insignificant levels of pathogens, we can
conclude that concerns are unsubstantiated.   If we find that significant
levels do exist, we can design management options that reduce the
pathogen risk.
       Phase 2:  Microbial Source Tracking -- Genetic Identification  of
Horse Manure.  Dr. Samadpour of the University of Washington has
assembled a large database of source-specific genetic fingerprints for E.
coli strains, thus identifying host species.   Bay Area horse fecal
samples will be sent to Dr. Samadpour to augment this "equidatabase" of
equine specific genetic fingerprints.  This will enable  more accurate 
identification of  the specific source of fecal contaminants found in
watersheds in future studies.  
      Phase 3:  Assessing Presence of Weed Seeds in Manure.   This phase
of the project will isolate, identify, and attempt to germinate seeds
found in uncomposted manure samples.   A recent EnviroHorse report cited
studies showing that weed seeds are destroyed in properly composted horse
manure.  Little is known, however, about seeds in manure left on trails,
camps, and staging areas.  This study will attempt to add to this
knowledge.  
     It is estimated that this research will cost around $15,000.  As of
May 2000,  $8,000 has been raised.  The work that EnviroHorse is doing
cannot be done without support from others.   Any amount will be greatly
appreciated!   Donations are tax-deductible and should be sent to:  
University of California, Davis;  Veterinary Medicine Teaching and
Research Center (VMTRC);   Tulare, California  93291.  Attention:  Dianne
Benner.  Memo:  Research/Equine Manure/Dr. Rob Atwill.    A big thank you
for your help!   
     PLEASE,  FEEL FREE TO  SHARE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS!   For a copy of the official announcement with its
additional information, please email me at cberto@juno.com with a
snailmail address.   Visit our website at www.envirohorse.org or email
quinn@epri.com  and again, your support is vital.