E. Coli in the water: Protect your livestock

On livestock farms, drinking water is a source of infectious diseases more often than thought, including coliform infections. Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection is a major risk because it has a significant impact. Animal welfare suffers and this causes lower production and higher (veterinary) costs. Prevention is better than cure!

What is the E. Coli bacteria?

The E. Coli bacteria, written out in full as Escherichia Coli, is also popularly known as the poop bacteria. These bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals. They have one function there: they provide protection against other harmful bacteria [1]. Although many strains of these bacteria are harmless or even useful, certain pathogenic strains can cause serious diseases. Diarrhoea, urinary tract infections and blood poisoning are examples. These pathogenic strains, such as E. coli O157, produce toxins that can cause serious damage to human and animal health [2].

On livestock farms, E. coli can be a source of infections, especially when the bacteria come in contact with water sources. The bacteria can occur in the biofilm of pipes or drinking troughs and can therefore spread rapidly. Infections with pathogenic E. coli can lead to symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea and reduced appetite in animals, greatly affecting productivity and animal welfare [3].

What is biofilm?

Biofilm plays a central role in the spread of pathogens such as E. coli on livestock farms. Biofilm is a slimy layer composed of a mixture of bacteria, fungi and nutrients. Anywhere where it is wet for a long time, where water is stored or flows through, you can encounter biofilm. As time progresses, it builds up and settles into surfaces. Potential pathogens such as E. Coli thrive in biofilm, therefore they develop and get into the water.

Biofilm is often difficult to control because this slimy layer is often resistant to a variety of agents. Stagnant water or insufficient flow can only promote its growth, resulting in a greater chance of pathogen contamination.

E. Coli in the water

Although E. Coli is not naturally common in water, it occasionally occurs. This bacterium feels at home in biofilm, which is where the danger of this situation lies. Contamination in water often comes from stagnant water, for example in a pipe. This then creates a source for germs. This is especially problematic when animals' drinking water becomes contaminated, as animals are then constantly exposed to disease vectors. Antibiotics are used in animal husbandry, but as long as water quality is not addressed and all animals continue to drink from contaminated nipples or drinking troughs, the source of contamination remains. Reducing antibiotic use can be achieved by proactively monitoring and improving drinking water quality.

How do I know if there is E. Coli in the water?

Detecting E. Coli in drinking water can be tested by taking a water sample at the drinking point. These samples are then checked for the presence of bacteria, including Escherichia Coli [4]. Paying attention to the drinking water makes you as a livestock farmer more aware of the health of your animals. The water may be clear, but you don't know if it is clean.

The results in the table above are from a cattle farm that was infested with E. coli bacteria. A significant difference can be seen after a period of about 5 weeks. The Watter system is a good solution for E. coli in water.

E. Coli disappears with the Watter system

Our Watter system offers a sustainable solution for disinfecting drinking water to prevent E. coli bacteria. Our disinfection ensures that stubborn bacteria such as E. Coli disappear. It requires only water, salt and electricity. In the disinfectant, HOCl is the active ingredient. Thus, Watter disinfects in a sustainable way without harmful chemicals and is safe for humans, animals and the environment.

References:

1. https://www.micropia.nl/en/discover/microbiology/escgerichia-coli/

2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058

3.https://www.wwt.org.uk/uploads/documents/1341561582_RWDM4DiseaseFactsheetsEscherichiacolipoisoning.pdf

4. https://www.aquagenx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/WaterQualityTesting-Methods_June2022.pdf